Artist in Focus - Adrian Smart

For Adrian Smart the eighties was a decade of working with agencies in graphic design. He thoroughly enjoyed the creative process and the fast paced environment, however his real passion lay in fine art specialising in Avian art. He wanted to be removed from the cliché world of birds illustrated in perfect harmonious habitats. Garden birds were to be painted in snapshot moments wherever they landed and not necessarily in neat manicured rose bushes. Adrian had seen photographs exhibited at the bird photographer of the year competition but kept imagining how much more impressive they would be as paintings. He then began his journey into becoming a full time Avian artist.

'Blue Tit' watercolour on board, 25.5 x 37 cm

The pose of the bird in 'Blue Tit' (above) and the lighting was enough for Smart to want to paint it! There is very little to show that it is in strong sunlight but the dark shadow on the twig is enough to convince us. The pale background doesn’t conflict with the subject and yet there is enough information to know it is high in the canopy and exposed for all to see. A uncomplicated yet enticing painting.