Comox Valley artist Joe Smith will be holding an open house at his gallery and studio in Union Bay on the weekend of June 21 and 22.
This is an opportunity to get a first-hand look at an artist鈥檚 working studio and adjoining gallery space.
Smith is well known for his realistic paintings of west coast scenes and familiar landmarks. His approach to painting is based on providing the viewer with an image that conjures up memories of a moment in time.
鈥淢any of my paintings are of locations that are quite familiar to people." says Smith. 鈥淢y objective is to provide them with an image that they can relate to from either personal experience or a memory stored away. Viewing my paintings helps bring that back to life.鈥�
The paintings in his gallery cover a wide spectrum of subject matter. From the ever present Comox Glacier and spectacular views looking out over the Salish Sea to scenes painted along the Pacific Rim.
Smith鈥檚 style lends itself to capturing these images as his paintings evoke a sense of relaxation and calm. 鈥淧eople often talk about living on the West Coast because they favour the relaxed lifestyle.鈥� says Smith. 鈥淭hat is the main reason why we moved here years ago and I suppose that is reflected in my art.鈥�
While Smith鈥檚 paintings may be viewed as calm and serene, his effective use of perspective brings the viewer into the painting. At times people have commented that looking at a specific painting makes them feel as if they are right there walking along their favourite beach.
鈥淲hen I hear that,鈥� says Smith, 鈥渋t makes it all worthwhile.鈥�
As an added attraction, everyone who visits Smith鈥檚 studio and gallery over the weekend can enter a draw to have the chance to win an 11鈥� x 14鈥� framed print of one of his paintings.
Smith鈥檚 studio and gallery is located at 5867 Garvin Road in Union Bay. Garvin Road runs off Hwy 19a just 2.5 km south of Union Bay village. The nearly 1,000 square foot building is located at the back of the property. Open house hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
