“Behind the Eyes of a Dog” Artist Series: Blends Images of the Dog & His Forebears

“I ask the viewer to experience each painting at a distance, and then, as they approach, discover the hundreds of elements which make up the piece. In so doing, the viewer develops a new awareness and admiration for the beauty and intelligence of the wolf. They should ponder evolution and the hundreds of breeds of companions we enjoy today, all descended from the wolf. I want them to treasure the wolf as they do their dogs.” ~Diana J Smith, Artist’s Statement

“The Nature of Things” 40×30 mixed media collage. Diana J Smith fine artist.

I’ve followed the work of fine artist Diana J Smith for awhile now. You can view all of her work at http://www.dianajsmith.com

Behind the Eyes of a Dog http://www.dianajsmith.com

Artist’s Statement:

The inspiration for this body of work comes from the way dogs looks at you with intense concentration as if trying to understand your words or thoughts. I am intrigued by the intelligence and extreme focus in their eyes and the depth of their concentration as well as their beautiful noses, detecting smells we cannot even acknowledge.

All dogs evolved from mother wolf, and I suggest that by blending of images the dog with his kind and his forbearers. Embracing collage techniques, I collect countless pictures of dogs and wolves from old discarded books and magazines. As I begin each piece, I select several hundred of these images based on color and value; I cut out each one and adhere it to the canvas surface. When grouped together, these tiny pictures form a much larger image, the crux of the composition. My style is loose and suggestive with painted detail reserved for eyes and nose.

I ask the viewer to experience each painting at a distance, and then, as they approach, discover the hundreds of elements which make up the piece. In so doing, the viewer develops a new awareness and admiration for the beauty and intelligence of the wolf. They should ponder evolution and the hundreds of breeds of companions we enjoy today, all descended from the wolf. I want them to treasure the wolf as they do their dogs.

“Ancestor” 8×8 mixed media collage http://www.dianajsmith.com

“Heritage” 8×8 mixed media collage http://www.dianajsmith.com

“Past-Future” 18×18 mixed media collage http://www.dianajsmith.com

About artist Diana J Smith

An Oklahoma native, Diana J. Smith received a BFA in painting from the University of Oklahoma. Her intense interest in masks led her into additional studies in anthropology.

Diana has exhibited in numerous juried, group, and solo shows and has won awards for her paintings, ceramics and masks. While Diana also enjoys pure abstraction, she is best known for her acrylic paintings of canines, enlivening her subjects with qualities of loyalty, humor, inquisitiveness, mystery and patience.

Diana created masks of leather during the 1980’s which are in private collections all over the country.

Represented by:

Worrell Gallery

103 Washington Ave.

Santa Fe, NM 87501

505.989.4900

sales@worrellgallery.com

JRB Art at the Elms

2810 N. Walker Ave.

Oklahoma City, OK 73103

405.604.6602

info@jrbartgallery.com