AN Eye FOR Art

Artist Creates Representational Work From Home Studio In Linn Creek

Jeanette Smart had an eye for art at a young age. “While family sat around the television at night, I was drawing at the table,” she said. When those around her noticed her natural ability to create representational pieces, she was enrolled in drawing lessons and began honing her skills.

Growing up in Iowa, she studied at a studio in Des Moines for several years learning how to draw and paint. In high school she began studying graphic design which is what she would lean on to earn a living.

“I decided to become an artist because I enjoyed it and I wanted to make a living doing something I loved,” Smart said.

After her freshman year at Iowa State University, Smart moved to Flagstaff, Ariz. She would mve back and forth a few times over the years, and lived in

Northern California before settling down at Lake of the Ozarks about four years ago.

At her home studio in Linn Creek she creates works that inspire her as well as commissioned pieces, and offrs classes three days a week. Her artwork is mostly representational — which means viewers can recognize the subject in the painting.

“The style I work in is at times impressionistic and at other times somewhat photographic,” she said. “I try to create paintings that put the viewer in the painting. Hopefully it will evoke the same positive emotions I felt.”

Despite having a knack for art, each piece takes time, patience and dedication.

“I enjoy the mystery of painting,” she said. “I have an idea what it will look like finished but it doesn’ necessarily become that. It’s a lot like having a relationship with a journey. When I finish, I’m sad th journey has ended but believe me, the relationship can get frustrating and difficult andequires hard work.”

Smart has students ranging in age of 12-100. They start with basic drawing and it can take years to get to the point of creating oil portraits.

More Info

Jeanette Smart on Facebook 916-817-7065 seadogggraphics6@yahoo.com

See Her Work

Lake Fine Art Academy & Galleria: 1426

Bagnell Dam Blvd., Lake Ozark

Bill’s Art Center and Gallery: 94 N. Business MO-5, Camdenton

Home studio by appointment

“I am very passionate about teaching and seeing my students progress,” she said. “I especially like to work with young people who have time to develop their skills and get a head start on a career in the arts.”

Smart accepts commissioned work, and can create any subject in any medium. Clients often ask for pet portraits but she recently completed a large oil landscape of a cove at Lake of the Ozarks.

“I have to say that my favorite painting is the one I’m working on,” she said. “Each requires everything from you; your emotions, physical precision, years of developed skill and understanding of art, hand-eye coordination and a fair amount of time out of your life.”