Portraits of Space and Reflection by Paula Smith

Large brush strokes, acrylic paint and meaningful exchanges are all part of the requirements for these honest portraits. As a homemaker and mother I find time to combine daily activities in order to leave some space for artwork.

Painting family members is intimate and creates a sense of familiarity enabling the production of such works. After abandoning art interest at o grade level I restarted and what was initially nervous experimentation became a hobby and passion. My anxiety levels drop while painting.

Dark and light shades mix to highlight the mood of optimism and pessimism, the past and future and the beginning and end. The facial expressions portray reflection, space and pause. Life is vast, fast and busy but these portraits hold time briefly encouraging contemplation.

The eyes are prominent and deep whereas the mouths are blurred or well-defined. Sometimes observation is key and necessary while speaking is less discreet with problems of interpretation. To be tight-lipped or forward, fast or slow, in agreement or disaccord.

These portraits reflect family, mood and space. They will be exhibited at this year’s Edinburgh Mental Health Festival from the 10^th of October to 30^th October where the theme is ‘Time’.