The Next Generation | Adam Smith - Southwest Art Magazine

Adam Smith, Dominant, acrylic, 10 x 16.

How has your work evolved in recent years? I am always striving to grow as an artist. One of the best parts of being an artist is always learning something new. In recent years I have enjoyed exploring more complex ideas and compositions. It’s not always easy coming up with new ideas I haven’t seen before. However, those challenges are essential to my growth. Some painting ideas take years before I work out all the details.

Where do you find inspiration? I find most of my inspiration out in the field. I love taking reference trips and being around the subjects that I paint. Living near Yellowstone National Park certainly has its perks. I try to visit as often as I can. I find inspiration close to home as well. Three years ago we had a fox den on our property and had the joy of watching five fox kits being raised.

Describe yourself in one word. Driven.

Tell us a little bit about your studio. My studio is located within my home. It is not a very big space, but it’s the perfect size for me. I have several unique items in my studio including dinosaur bones, a Megalodon tooth, and an African carving of elephants made out of driftwood. I always have some kind of noise while I paint, so I also have a television and a stereo. My windows look out to a nice view of the Bridger Mountains.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next few years? I hope to continue to grow as an artist and finally take some long-awaited trips. I am hoping to get up to Alaska soon and photograph some coastal bears with my dad.

People would be surprised to learn that... I love horror movies. I even painted a scene from Nosferatu a couple years ago.

If your home or studio was on fire, what one thing would you save? My wife, daughter, and the dogs. Then I am grabbing my hard drive and slides that contain all of my reference material.

How has the pandemic changed your art habits over the past year? The pandemic hasn’t really changed my art habits in the studio. It has changed other aspects, though. I certainly miss traveling, attending shows, and reconnecting with fellow artists and patrons.

What would you be if you weren’t an artist? That is a tough question. I think, if I was in another career field, I would still be working on art in some fashion.

Favorite non-art-related thing to do? I grow super-hot pepper varieties, which can be a bit difficult in Montana. Our growing season is short. I even created my own strain of pepper I named the Caldera.

What galleries represent your work? Astoria Fine Art, Jackson, WY.