ABOUT
HELLO, I'M LUCIA, AND I PAINT THE YORKSHIRE DALES IN THE GORGEOUS MEDIUM OF SOFT PASTELS...
Do you enjoy the Yorkshire Dales as much as I do? They offer me inspiration on a plate; how lucky I am to live here. Capturing their contours, simplifying them to their colourful best and sharing them in exciting compositions is my constant aim.
From earlier years spent in distant countries, I discovered my keen eye for light and colour: carefully chosen details now shape the mood of each Dales piece. I have lived amongst the dales and moors for over 30 years and we have become well acquainted – I love their timelessness, their hugeness, their solidity. Time spent walking here always gives me space to rejuvenate and rebalance; it is the only place I know where I can be simultaneously soothed and uplifted.
My paintings aim to offer the same: I choose scenes that, at any second, might change as the wind blows the clouds across the horizon, the shadows dance and the view alters – in other words, scenes to be watched!
ORIGINALS
Welcome to my original work, including my latest pieces. Following a very successful show in April, my stock is somewhat depleted right now: several of the paintings shown above are sold, I keep the images in this 'gallery' to show the range of my work.
However, if you would like to view any shown as available, or would like to discuss measurements, framing and prices, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be delighted to hear from you.
My originals are generally priced between £700 - £1200, mainly depending on size.
If you have a particular scene in mind, you might consider a personal commission: more information can be found under Commissions.
Some of these images are also available in limited edition Prints...
PRINTS
My print series are very limited – 32, 16 or sometimes just 12. They are available on quality fine art paper (framed behind glass to your taste); or on box canvas for a more contemporary look. They are mostly printed to order, so you can request a unique size and type of presentation. Some series are almost sold out so please check for availability.
Each print is hand-signed and comes with a personal message from me about the scene, my inspiration and the circumstances of the original painting.
Print prices mainly depend on size, with unframed prints typically priced between £190 - £250 and framed prints between £290 - £350.
If you have any queries at all, please feel free to contact me.
TECHNIQUES
I often draw my inspiration from the lofty Yorkshire Moors and the stunning Yorkshire skies - usually on a ramble with family and friends. They have learnt to be patient when I suddenly see something that I need to capture, either with my sketch pad or the camera!
Soft pastels are my key medium; I savour their vibrancy and immediacy. I start by carefully planning my composition, pinning down my vision, rythmn and colour pallette for the painting. I choose quality mount bnoard or heavy watercolour paper, and once the composition has been sketched to size, I cover the entire surface with an under-painting coat of acrylic or watercolour, which broadly defines the painting and gets rid of the distracting whiteness! This is then primed to improve the grip and grit of the surface.
I build up the soft pastel in layers – with some blending, some crisp edges, some textured areas, some areas heavy with pure pastel vibrancy. This gritty surface is not kind on my fingers, so the process has an oscillating rhythm and cannot be rushed! I am therefore not prolific... but this allows me more time to go walking... a superb balance of inspiration and creation.
EXHIBITIONS
How exciting was that! In conversation with Alan Titchmarsh about my soft pastel technique! (April 2018)
A great exhibition with my art colleagues of PEBBLE PROJECTS; lots of sales, and a fabulous stream of visitors to the wonderful gallery space of Ilkley Manor House.
Now is a time for replenishing and reflection. I am planning some small shows later in 2018 (more news to follow soon), first I have some commissioned pieces to create!
So I am back working hard at my easel…. but I’m always happy to take a break to show you my work: if you’d like to see any of the pieces presented on this site ‘in the flesh’, do contact me to arrange a viewing.
See my latest news on facebook by following 'LUCIA SMITH ARTIST'; or pop into WEAVERBIRD WORKSHOP in Ilkley to see my limited edition collection of fine art prints.
COMMISSIONS
I am happy to work with you!
Whether you require a single picture, or several; the capturing of a special view, or a colourful piece for a particular wall...
A PRIVATE COMMISSION gives you a very special picture, which is totally personal and unique.
Whatever your requirements, I would enjoy discussing the possibilities with you. You may be unsure of the starting point - I would be delighted to mull over your thoughts with you and help define the project.
A recent private commission gave me the chance to explore an area I was less familiar with: the moors around Grimwith Reservoir (see right). Here I was given free rein with colour and shape, but the client asked for certain shorelines to be visible, and for the piece to convey a certain mood.
'Lucia kept us informed of progress - starting from early photographs for us to agree the best view, to receiving regular updates on the painting's progress... the result is a superb reflection of what we requested, ultimately the whole experience, and the picture itself, surpassed our expectations'
Another commission was inspired when clients saw my 'Pen-y-ghent Speaks' picture. Together, we created 'Pen-y-ghent Awakens' (see right); matching composition, size and colour requirements so that it fit perfectly with their home: 'I was thrilled by the finished result, which was even more spectacular than I had envisaged in my mind's eye. Lucia's ability to realise her client's idea is immaculate - she retained my utter confidence throughout the creative process.'
I WILL BE DELIGHTED TO HEAR FROM YOU AND WILL GET BACK TO YOU AS SOON AS I CAN:
EMAIL: luci@luciasmith.co.uk
PHONE: 01943 603368 / 07833 257540
or you can FOLLOW or CONTACT me on FACEBOOK