Elaine R Smith isn’t what one would classify as a ‘maritime artist’. But she lives in the fishing town of Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, and it seems inevitable that her artwork would include some nautical themes. We have been following her on Facebook. Our first impression: this is a gifted soul who’s determined to make a statement.

Ms Smith’s paintings and drawings of boats (at least those we’ve had the chance of viewing) tend to have a sombre mood. We see the same sort of glumness in some of her other pieces. Yet, Ms Smith shows in her painting entitled ‘Lossie harbour005’ that she can step out of the shadows and feel the sunlight, a spirit daring to be free.

Lossie harbour005

Her formal art training is much in evidence: attention to detail, a wonderful sense of form; sure, bold strokes. A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, Ms Smith has a talent for creating texture, This gives her works a tactile effect – as though the artist were saying: ‘This is me. I am unique.’ If that sounds like a rebel’s manifesto, it is also the cry of a woman in love with art and life. ~Barista Uno

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