Stephen Smith, Paintings and Drawings

     I currently find the inspiration for my cityscapes in the historic architecture of Hamilton, Ohio.  The buildings and the people of the city motivate me to capture my experience in my own whimsical way.  I enjoy abstracting and distorting the scenes which create a unique experience of the space being viewed. 

    My toy paintings often fall into the range of social commentary.  I juxtapose the innocence and playfulness of toys with the deep-rooted issues of society.  It brings a little humor and levity to a more serious subject, allowing the viewer to see it in a different way.

   My formal training in painting and drawing was attained from Miami University in Oxford, OH.   I graduated in 2003 with a BFA in Painting, as well as an MA and a BA in Art Education while minoring in Arts Management.  I am currently the Arts Education Coordinator at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities in Hamilton, OH.  I oversee InsideOut Studio, which is the Board's initiative to provide art training to adults with disabilities. 

   I have enjoyed showing my work around various galleries and festivals in the southwest Ohio area since 2003.  I have extensive experience working with clients to create custom artworks as well.  Commissions are happily accepted.  I currently live in Hamilton, OH with my wife Jenn Acus-Smith (who is also a very talented artist!) and Karma, our welsh corgi.