I'm so glad the Detroit Artists Market was able to introduce Lee-Smith's work to you! I have always loved his subtle surrealism, even though my own work is abstracted. It is as if you can breath the clean, fresh air in his painted atmospheres.
The couple I work for have a stunning painting by Hughie Lee-Smith - a two girls standing near the sea looking up at balloons in the sky. Just as you said, you can feel the breeze blow. What is the symbolism behind the balloons in his work? Frivolity? Childhood?
Thanks for this video post on this underrated American artist, He is definitely one of my favorite artists of all time. His bleak urban surroundings and singular subject(s) strikes me on a personal level. Personally, I think he nails the African American experience on a psychological level.
I moved to NYC in 1981 and started taking drawing classes there in 1982. I remember seeing Mr. Lee-Smith's works in the annual catalog and on exhibit in the annual instructor's exhibit that initiated the gallery shows each September. I always admired his still, lonely landscapes both for their draft and draughtsmanship and for their mood and imagery. I never studied with him but I wish he were more recognized. I'd love to see a museum retrospective of his work in NYC...and a book of his work!
I'm so glad the Detroit Artists Market was able to introduce Lee-Smith's work to you! I have always loved his subtle surrealism, even though my own work is abstracted. It is as if you can breath the clean, fresh air in his painted atmospheres.
The couple I work for have a stunning painting by Hughie Lee-Smith - a two girls standing near the sea looking up at balloons in the sky. Just as you said, you can feel the breeze blow. What is the symbolism behind the balloons in his work? Frivolity? Childhood?
Thank you so much for posting this. I wish there was more info available to the public.
Thanks for this video post on this underrated American artist, He is definitely one of my favorite artists of all time. His bleak urban surroundings and singular subject(s) strikes me on a personal level. Personally, I think he nails the African American experience on a psychological level.
I moved to NYC in 1981 and started taking drawing classes there in 1982. I remember seeing Mr. Lee-Smith's works in the annual catalog and on exhibit in the annual instructor's exhibit that initiated the gallery shows each September. I always admired his still, lonely landscapes both for their draft and draughtsmanship and for their mood and imagery. I never studied with him but I wish he were more recognized. I'd love to see a museum retrospective of his work in NYC...and a book of his work!
These are amazing works. I'm off to research him. Thank you Gilda.
What is the symbolism of balloons in Hughie Lee-Smith's work?
Shonda Rhimes brought me here.