Plein air artist exhibits some very seasonal paintings

Christy A. Smith escapes the tension of everyday life in more than 20 plein air paintings and pastel drawings. 

Each work in “Snow,” an art show presented at Artists on Elgin this month until Jan. 30, captures the northern landscape in the solitude and stillness of winter. 

For as long as Smith has been an artist, she has considered nature her studio. As a plein air artist, Smith paints and draws exclusively outdoors, reproducing the actual conditions she sees at the moment of creation. 

“Painting on-site allows me first hand to experience nature and often physically touch what I am painting … it gives me a sense of realistic authenticity,” said Smith. 

Her philosophy in life is mirrored in her artistic practice –her work is about being in the present, the here and now.

“Painting lets me directly communicate with nature in an immediate way…the sounds of nature add to the ambiance, and filters into the story I am telling visually,” she said. 

Smith is the artist in residence at Camp Tanamakoon in Algonquin Park (since 2007) and teaches at Camp Wenonah, Muskoka (since 2008). 

Her work has appeared in the Sudbury Art Tour, LaCloche Art Show, and the Cavalcade of Colors Show, along with many solo exhibitions. She is a member of Artists on Elgin.

An opening reception for “Snow” takes place at Artists on Elgin from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 7. Artists on Elgin is located at 168 Elgin St.