Biography

Compelled at an early age to pursue art, Bristie Joelle Smith, the daughter of sporting artist Brett James Smith, spent her youth drawing, experimenting with paint, and studying the works of master artists from centuries past. Born in Kenner, Louisiana, she grew up at her father’s easel, nurturing in her a curiosity for painting and a desire to learn the arts.

Smith graduated from Louisiana State University with a BFA in Painting and a minor in Art History. She received training not only in painting, but also in the arts of sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics. While still in college Smith began selling works in various shows, including the 2012 and 2013 LSU Juried Student Art Shows and the 2012 WYES Art Collection Twelve Auction, as well as to private clients. Smith also graduated from the Famous Artists School, a correspondence art school begun by famous illustrators including Norman Rockwell, which she pursued simultaneously while in college.

Smith has traveled extensively throughout the northwest United States, which has exposed her to fantastic landscapes and scenery, instilling in her a love of the outdoors which today influences much of her work. The theme of nature reveals itself in many of her still life paintings, landscapes, and portraits. Furthermore, she enjoys drawing inspiration from forms in nature in her sculptural work.

She is constantly experimenting with various sculptural media such as wood and ceramics, but works mainly in 2-D with oil and watercolor. She has also produced intaglio etchings, a printmaking technique that dates back to the 15th century.

Her painting technique draws from 19th century masters and embodies a spirit of modern impressionism. It evokes nostalgia and creates mood and drama with an emphasis on light and shadow. Smith’s portraits of children have become her particularly favorite subject, due to her love of interacting with kids and the range of emotions they express.

Smith currently resides in Dallas, Texas.