Lee Smith

The Mentor, Original Painting

2024

Artist Comments
A woman gazes with intense blue eyes, her contemplative expression framed by luscious hair and a geometric-patterned earring. A white bird perches on her shoulder, symbolizing a connection between the human and natural worlds. Textured brushstrokes and bold outlines give the portrait a stylized effect.

About the Artist
Artist Lee Smith combines abstract, primitive, expressionist, and gritty contemporary art in her work. “My style is greatly influenced by years spent in CGI production and an unapologetic love for the daily comics,” says Lee. As a keen observer, she finds her inspiration in the social aspects of life. Her work represents human emotions and portrays these emotions by illustrating the animal world, often using those popular companions—cats and dogs. In her long professional career, Lee has worked as a newspaper layout artist, a visual merchandising specialist, a freelance graphic artist, a technical illustrator, and an art director. Lee retired from the corporate world ten years ago to concentrate on her art career. “Although I studied art in college, I prefer to describe myself as 'self-taught.' Years of irreplaceable hands-on experience have provided an extensive and invaluable continuing education in the arts,” says Lee. When building her current home in Oregon, she added a small studio that she keeps organized and clutter-free. She wears her trusty paint-covered denim overall when working, and typically listens to audiobooks or podcasts. “I have dozens of paintbrushes in cans all over the studio, but I have only about 10 favorites that I always use.”

Words that describe this painting: portrait, woman, bird, eyes, face, earrings, metallic, gold, friendship, relationship, companion, pet, people, fashion, primitive, acrylic painting, grey

The Mentor
Lee Smith
Acrylic painting on cradled wood panel
Finished white edges
Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on front and back
2024
20 in. h x 16 in. w x 1.5 in. d
2 lbs. 0 oz.