Figures flow along swirling streams of color in Samantha Keely Smith’s vibrant abstract landscapes – Colossal



Art

#abstract #landscapes #oil painting #painting #Samantha Keely Smith

In vibrant oil paintings evoking stormy oceans or atmospheric vistas, Samantha Keely Smith relies on confident, sweeping strokes to guide composition. Oscillating between abstraction and representations of landscapes (formerly), the contrasts of tones and complementary colors underline the dramatic movements evoking the crashing of waves or storms. “All of my work explores the idea that the line between our conscious and unconscious (experiences) is often blurred and that we are sometimes able to straddle both sides at once,” she told Colossal.

Smith’s recent work has evolved into a looser, freer style that taught him the value of experimentation or going with the flow. “Most importantly, I gave myself permission to completely fail once in a while and not feel bad about it,” she says. “Sometimes I’ll pull a canvas off the stretcher and throw it away. In the past, I would fight to the end trying to salvage something that just wasn’t working, which was ultimately a waste of time and effort.

“And now I see you” (2023), oil on canvas, 60 x 68 inches

Along with the more relaxed and confident approach, Smith now incorporates characters into his works. Continuing his ongoing series Imaginary Landscapes, she explores themes related to presence and the unconscious in the form of bodies floating along a current that seem partially submerged. “Like a radio station coming in and going out of tune, they exist as much in our reality as they do in this ‘other’ world,” she says, sharing that adding numbers her pieces have drawn from her own health and that of her nearby challenges.

Smith examines the emotional and mental toll of caring for her parents, who both suffered from prolonged illnesses. Now 54, she explores the fuzzy state between conscious and ‘dark’, reflecting on her four-month hospitalization for a life-threatening illness aged 21. The painful experience instilled an appreciation for the fragility of life and the immense capacity of humans. feel hope. “The existential and the personal are intertwined in my work,” she says. “I believe that through art we have the possibility to accentuate our commonalities and to bring people together by sharing these personal experiences which are, at the same time, universal experiences.”

Find more of Smith’s work on her website and follow updates on Instagram.

“The Soaring Kind” (2022), oil on canvas, 60 x 78 inches

“Here I lie down” (2023), oil on canvas, 60 x 68 inches

“I’ll Rise” (2022), oil on canvas, 64 x 78 inches

“Light Into Darkness” (2022), oil on canvas, 60 x 78 inches

“Enlighten (ourselves)” (2022), oil on canvas, 56 x 72 inches

“Something More” (2021), oil on canvas, 60 x 68 inches

“A Blink Away” (2021), oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inches

#abstract #landscapes #oil painting #painting #Samantha Keely Smith

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a colossal member today and support independent art publishing for as little as $5 a month. You’ll connect with a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, read ad-free articles and newsletters, support our interview series, get discounts and early access to our print versions limited edition, and much more. Join now!