Today we’d like to introduce you to Eugene B. Smith.
Hi Eugene B., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Frey, wrote on my report card, “Eugene is good natured but unconcerned, all he wants to do is doodle.” I realized later in life how true that was. Unconcerned, not so much. Loves to doodle – Definitely! I think it worked out.
A largely self-taught artist, I was exposed to the Freer Gallery at a young age. This inspired my interest in Asian artwork, and I held a one-man exhibition in Okayama, Japan in 1997.
Beyond that, I have traveled throughout the United States to a variety of art shows and my collection reflects that. Images from Maine to Florida add to the variety of my work. Of course, I have always said that living in the Shenandoah Valley means that I’m never short of inspiration. I like variety, which is why you will see landscapes, architectural pieces, and abstracts throughout my gallery.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It took me awhile to develop a sense of what my customers were looking for, but over time I realized the importance of diversity in my subject matter. A variety of styles allows my work to appeal to a wider group of patrons. I also learned the value of marketing, whether in-person or otherwise.
I remember an interesting interaction with a customer at one of my earliest art shows. After browsing my work for a while, he asked “Would you sell just the frame?” Quick on my feet, I decided to tell him that the art was free, and it was the frame that costs. I’ve often joked that if I ever write a book, that will be the first chapter.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a self-taught watercolorist, with an established gallery in Winchester, Virginia. My local landscapes and architectural pieces are a specialty of mine. I’m most proud of the natural flow of my painting process. Letting my water co-exist with the pigment, and letting the artwork breathe is a skill that I have mastered over time.
On a more personal note, I’m incredibly proud of my family life. I have an amazing wife, 2 kids and 3 grandkids. Having a great work/family balance makes me a better artist. One of my favorite pieces is a beach scene called “Evening Sun.” I love pointing out to people that those are my little girl’s footprints in sand.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Anyone paying attention will see the increasing presence of AI (Artificial Ignorance). This pushes my drive to produce original work on a consistent basis. It’s more important than ever to support local artists, and I see it happening all over. Local communities finding ways to celebrate artists is so heartening. I think that people have an appreciation for the time and skill real artists provide. It will be a challenging road ahead, but I believe we can weather that storm.
Pricing:
- It’s important to remember that you are paying for the skill the artist brings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eugenebsmith.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eugenebsmithgalleryandframing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EugeneBSmithGalleryAndFraming
