My abstract paintings consist of small fragments of vibrant colour applied to finely woven linen, creating oscillating fields of energy. Both oil paint and linen are visible in the finished works - the warp and weft of different materials creating a dynamic, rhythmic matrix of colour, light and space.

 

My paintings are amalgams of experiences, sensations and ideas; colours and form sometimes relate to places, I live and work in one of a string of villages along the River Darent in Kent, an area described by the 19th century artist Samuel Palmer as the "Valley
of Vision".

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Born in Portsmouth, Donald Smith studied Fine Art at Camberwell School of Art & Crafts and Chelsea School of Art in London and was Visiting Research Fellow at University of Ife in Nigeria. He lives and works in the Darenth Valley, Kent.

 

Donald Smith has exhibited widely in the UK and internationally for 40 years and his work is held in private collections in United States of America, Africa and Europe. He has collaborated on many creative projects with the fashion, music and hospitality sectors including a screen de-signed for the Intercontinental Hotel at No.1 Park Lane; an album cover for Jah Wobble; an installation of coloured mirrors for Salt restaurant at Marble Arch; in-store and museum installations and magazine features for the fashion brand Burro in London,Tokyo and Vienna.

 

Donald was Director of Exhibitions at Chelsea College of Art, where he worked for three decades from 1991-2022. He is also respected internationally as a curator who has collaborated with major cultural figures across art, design and popular culture. He has been a visiting speaker and lecturer at prestigious institutions including Tate Britain, Serpentine Gallery, Royal College of Art and the
Sorbonne in Paris.

 

Donald Smith was elected Chairman of Chelsea Arts Club (2005-8) representing an international creative community of members and presiding over events such as the unveiling of a plaque to the 19th century artist Whistler in Paris, the 80th birthday dinner for the late Albert Irvin RA and the 70th birthday dinner for Sir Peter Blake attended by Sir Paul McCartney, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher et al.