Nigel Smith, an accomplished artist with a passion for creating evocative landscapes and abstract works, has a fascinating story about his artistic evolution. From dabbling in art as a child to pursuing it full-time later in life, his journey is as inspiring as the paintings he produces.
From Graphic Design to Painting Full-Time
Nigel spent 15 years as a part-time artist while working as a graphic designer. One of his favorite clients, a classical record company, often needed artwork for their projects but had limited budgets. Nigel began creating paintings inspired by music to fill these gaps, and he discovered a deep joy in responding to melodies with his brush. A musician since his teens, he found that music and painting became natural partners in his creative process.
Over time, Nigel participated in group exhibitions, sold paintings, and realized his passion for art was more than a side project. By 2020, he decided to fully embrace his dream, selling his design business to become a full-time artist.
Training and Techniques
Nigel’s artistic foundation includes A-level art, a diploma, and an HND in graphic design. He supplemented his skills with various part-time art courses throughout his life. His preferred medium is oil paint, particularly water-mixable oils, which allow him to layer translucent glazes and experiment with textures. He combines oils with acrylics and inks in underpaintings when deadlines are tight or inspiration strikes suddenly.
For Nigel, size matters when it comes to his canvas. He enjoys working on large-scale pieces that offer room for expressive strokes while being practical for framing and display. However, he also challenges himself with smaller formats to keep his creative instincts sharp.
The Evolution of a Style
Nigel’s artistic style has evolved significantly over time. Initially inspired by the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand, where he lived for 17 years, his work transitioned from representational depictions to capturing the emotional essence of a place. He explores how personal memories can distort and romanticize landscapes, blending these ideas with elements of abstraction. Music plays a crucial role in shaping his work, influencing the mood, rhythm, and sometimes even the titles of his paintings.
A Day in the Life of an Artist
Nigel strikes a balance between spontaneity and structure. He starts his day with scribbles and notes but allows room for creative accidents. His years in graphic design instilled a strong discipline, ensuring he meets deadlines and maintains a balance between painting, planning, and administrative tasks.
He paints at all hours, driven more by inspiration than by the clock. Whether it’s early morning, late at night, or even the middle of the night, Nigel is ready to create when an idea takes hold.
Artistic Milestones
Nigel’s artistic journey is marked by several proud moments. His first solo exhibition at The Old Lock Up Gallery in Derbyshire in 2023 was a significant milestone, where he stood surrounded by his own work and the support of art lovers. Other highlights include creating a piece for Amnesty International’s Auckland office, winning a competition at Te Tuhi Gallery, and seeing his work sell quickly at his first UK gallery, Northern Makes.
Inspirations and Interests Beyond the Studio
Nigel draws inspiration from renowned artists like JMW Turner, Claude Monet, and East Asian ink painters such as Chu Te Chun and Zao Wou Ki. Contemporary artists Darren Waterston, Peter Doig, and Cruz Jimenez have also influenced his style.
Outside the studio, Nigel’s love for music shines brightly. Whether playing guitar, songwriting, or designing for the National Jazz Archive, music remains an integral part of his life. He also enjoys traveling to wild landscapes and vibrant cities, as well as watching football, despite being a loyal (and often frustrated) Spurs fan.
The Heart of Nigel’s Work
Nigel Smith’s art is a testament to his ability to merge passion, discipline, and creativity. His works are not just paintings but reflections of his love for landscapes, music, and the deeply personal stories we weave around the places we cherish. For Nigel, art is not just a profession—it’s a lifelong journey of discovery and expression.