Expressing the Beauty of Solitude
I’ve never been a crowd kind of guy. My painting subjects often reflect this. “Table for One,” my latest oil, is yet another example of [...]
Taking It Slowly, Mindfully
Painting is a journey of self-discovery for me. As usual, my painting is a way of exploring what lurks inside my psyche, bypassing the [...]
Midnight Explorations
I was needing a shift. And I’ve learned that when I need more equilibrium, I lean into my creative endeavors. They bring me back [...]
Introducing “Fluidity”
Rarely have I had a painting flow out of me like this one. I didn't think that would be the case. I had thought, [...]
When We Look Deeper
Usually, it’s far too easy staying in familiar grooves of seeing and experiencing. My mom, who was a brilliant art teacher and mentor, both at [...]
Stopping to Reflect—A New Watercolor!
I've been missing my brushes and paints. That's why I squeezed in some time (two days to be exact) to unpack my watercolors and [...]
Step Behind My Lens and Experience Life in Italy
Images speak so much louder than words. I've written volumes about my life in Italy. But taking you behind my eyes might just give you [...]
“At Rest”…New Jed Smith Watercolor!
I've been craving more time resting in stillness..."At Rest," my first watercolor in several years (I've been immersed in oils) is my tribute to the [...]
Italians Wear It with Reverence and Dignity
Italians demonstrate their passion in a multitude of ways. Many non-Italians might think this would manifest mainly as energetic hand gestures, unrestrained facial expressions, [...]
Living in the here and now.
I don’t often go through the archives of my past paintings… Recently I did and came across this one, entitled [...]
We Just Keep Waiting…
The paint is still drying on my latest oil painting, “Ca’ Rezzonico.” When it does, I’ll add my signature. As I stand back, ready [...]
A Nighttime Excursion in Surreal Venice
I've never seen my favorite Italian city like this. A surreal Venice is a lonely Venice. Even in the wee hours of normal Venice [...]
Celebrating the Beauty of the Ordinary
Most of us are trained to pursue idyllic beauty. Myself included. From an early age, marketers have pummeled us with pictures and messages that [...]
Exploring Venice Night Scenes, Introducing “Midnight Passing”
"Midnight Passing" — © Jed Smith 2020, oil on canvas Two solid months of steady work on a large [...]
Capturing Telling Moments of Italy in Crisis
Beauty, even in the shadows. I've been watching, my camera always close-by, the scenes of Italy in crisis and people living in lockdown. Like [...]
Scenes of Solitude Amidst Italy’s Coronavirus Crisis
Reaching for my camera and reportage... In the often overwhelming heaviness of Italy's coronavirus crisis, it has been far too easy for me to shut [...]
The Allure of Venice at Night
Those of you who've been following my blog understand I have a love affair with Venice. And, it continues to deepen, particularly in regards to [...]
Italian Men and Their Card Games
It's a scene you won't have difficulty finding throughout Italy. Head to almost any piazza, especially just before lunch until well past dinner, and you'll [...]