David Brian Smith, a talented artist known for his otherworldly landscapes, draws inspiration from his upbringing in rural Shropshire, England. His connection to the region’s agricultural traditions is evident in his work, especially after he moved to London. Smith’s paintings bring to mind the British landscape painting style of the Norwich School of painters, a group of self-taught artists who formed an art society in the early 19th century.
In his solo exhibition titled “All around the Wrekin,” presented by Ross + Kramer Gallery, Smith showcases his unique approach to oil painting. Departing from traditional academic styles, he reimagines landscapes through a hallucinatory, technicolor lens. His vibrant and surreal compositions feature rolling hills, farm buildings, and bulbous trees, reminiscent of the work of American Regionalist artist Grant Wood.
Smith’s paintings explore themes of place, belonging, and time through radiant colors, intricate brushwork, and layered symbolism. The title of the exhibition refers to a hill in Shropshire called the Wrekin, known for its distinctive conical shape and scenic walks. Within his compositions, Smith incorporates various motifs like hatch marks, flowers, and starbursts, creating a visual tapestry that dances across the canvas.
To add an ethereal quality to his large-scale canvases, Smith often includes gold and silver leaf, enhancing the luminosity of his work. The use of color and light in his paintings evokes nostalgia and a sense of psychedelic utopianism. His unique blend of traditional English pastoral themes with a contemporary vision sets his work apart.
“All around the Wrekin” is on display in San Francisco until November 22, offering viewers a chance to immerse themselves in Smith’s captivating landscapes. Additionally, his work can be seen as part of the “Inner and Outer Worlds” exhibition at the Ju Ming Museum in Taiwan until April 12. For more of David Brian Smith’s artwork, visit his website and Instagram page.
Smith’s paintings capture the beauty and essence of the English countryside, transforming familiar landscapes into dreamlike vistas. With his innovative approach to oil painting and his bold use of color, Smith invites viewers to experience the world through his unique perspective.
