About

Brian Smyth is a contemporary realist painter dedicated to capturing the world around him with authenticity and technical skill. His work, which spans figurative, portrait, and landscape painting, is characterized by a blend of classical techniques and modern sensibilities.

I am dedicated to representing on canvas and panel, in the most authentic way, those aspects of the world that inspire, delight, and challenge”.

My artistic practice is deeply rooted in traditional methods of drawing and painting. This approach was refined through extensive training at the Angel Academy of Art in Florence, where I later served as an instructor. This classical foundation allows for the exploration of form, light, and color with a high degree of realism.

While the training is traditional, the work is a response to the contemporary world. I consider myself as a contemporary realist painter and I’m happy to incorporate more abstract and dynamic elements into the work to benefit the overall atmosphere and feel of a painting.

Inspiration often comes from urban and natural environments, from the bustling streets and quiet corners of Florence to the coastal scenes of County Cork. I’m often drawn to observing the movement of people in public spaces or the simple, vibrant beauty of a still life arrangement, such as the “zesty yellow colors” of lemons or the play of light on glass. I like to explore the textures and forms of everyday items, always seeking to balance the various elements into a satisfying whole. The works often suggest a story or narrative, inviting viewers to pause and find beauty in the subtle nuances of light and shadow.

In my process, I use oil paints, often employing the impasto technique in some areas against thinner paint to create a dynamic interplay of texture and depth. Whether working from life in plein air sessions or in a studio from references, the aim is to create a timeless, stilled view of the human condition and surrounding environment, capturing a moment that resonates with authenticity and painterly expression.