Elaine Smith is a passionate and deeply intuitive artist whose work is a vibrant reflection of the natural world around her. With nearly 30 years of artistic exploration, she draws inspiration from the landscapes she encounters while kayaking, hiking, or simply wandering through her neighborhood. A lifelong learner, Elaine embraces the creative process with curiosity and experimentation, crafting layered, textural paintings that invite viewers into their own personal interpretations.
Her abstract compositions are infused with a sense of freedom, translucence, and storytelling, bridging the connection between artist and audience. Always inspired by nature, always evolving—Elaine’s art is an ever-unfolding journey of discovery.
Elaine, describe your art in three words?
Freedom-Experimental-Intriguing.
Why do you create art?
Creating art is something I look forward to everyday and is joyful, entrancing and challenges me to have courage. I can express a more personal part of myself.
What emotions or ideas do you hope people experience when they engage with your art?
Creating art is a way to connect my inner self with others through the stories my art tells them. Of course I’m always hoping that viewers experience some pleasure but I’m also hoping they are intrigued, that the piece tells them a story which may not be the same story I hold.
Tell me about one of your favorite artworks you’ve created.
I started on my series called ‘On The Edge of The Pond’ for a show and there are 8 pieces so far. My favourite so far was #2, 3 by 3 feet.
The colours, composition and multiple layers evolved to an ethereal impression of a waterway. It had all the qualities I love including depth and texture. It has since sold.
Elaine Smith
What does your creative routine look like? Do you follow a strict structure or work more intuitively?
I’m not strict, mostly I don’t have to be because I’m always excited to get back into my studio. I enjoy most days in one of my studios (at home or at my shared studio space with 4 other artists – Studio 211).
I try to have balance in my life so the struggle is not to get to my art studio but rather tending to things like exercise, gardening, hikes, friends and house.
How do you know when a piece is truly finished? Do you ever struggle with letting go?
This is the age-old question. It does take some experience. Here’s what I tend to do: I take my work to a place where I feel happy about it and then let it sit in my kitchen for a while where I can take time to view it on different days. This helps a lot.
On the other hand there are those pieces where they come to fruition quite quickly and I love them.
I guess what I’m saying is that I’ve learned to listen to my intuition. If I love it then I’m pretty much finished (with some minor adjustments). It does take some courage as well to let your art be truly what you love and not what you think other people will love.
How do you maintain your mental and physical balance during the creative process?
Balance! I can get caught up in creating art but if I don’t take care of myself and my relationships I find my creativity suffers. I have to go hiking, be in nature to feel inspired and hopeful.
Name 3 places, persons, or things that inspire you.
As I mentioned Mother Nature is my main source of inspiration… mountains, forests, oceans.
I’m often inspired by other artists; I love Betty Goodwin, My Mom (RIP) was an abstract printmaker, and artists like Jacques Pilon; I notice colour, texture and rhythm in nature as part of my inspiration.
📖 Art Book Recommendation
"Steal Like An Artist" by Austin Kleon
🎵 Music that best represents her art
"Moondance" by Van Morrison
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
I’ve often thought I’d be a forest ranger or a geologist, something where I could be outside.
Have you ever faced a major creative block? What helped you break through it?
I rarely have experienced this because I allow myself the freedom of focusing on playfulness in my art.
How has your environment or where you live influenced your work?
I live on the east coast of Vancouver Island. I’m surrounded by the beautiful natural scenes from this area which include forests, mountains, lakes and ocean. I’m a nature lover, hiker and kayaker so I notice and am influenced by the beauty of it all. I can easily find peace and quiet just a few minutes from my front door.
What’s one unusual or unexpected thing about you that most people don’t know?
I worked as a nurse in mental health for 35 years.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self as an artist, what would it be?
Be free, have courage, be yourself.
Elaine Smith
Elaine Smith
Elaine Smith
Elaine Smith
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All images courtesy of the artist.
