More Brett J. Smith:  •  Books  •  Originals  •

BRETT JAMES SMITH
(1958 - )

Brett James Smith was born on March 19, 1958 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His early introduction to sporting art came from his father who worked professionally as an illustrator and moonlighted as a fine artist contributing paintings for covers of the early outdoor and western magazines. In college as a fine art major, Brett realized that the contemporary art curriculum would not equip him with the background needed to pursue the area that interested him most--commercial illustration. He left school and began a career on his own as a commercial illustrator. After a few years, he decided to try his hand at "easel" paintings for the fine art market. As subjects he chose familiar landscapes and acquaintances made from years of hunting and fishing across the country.

Brett's work appeals to sportsmen nationwide because it is visually exciting and also authentic, exhibiting the intimate knowledge of his sporting experiences. Brett states, "What is important is to convey the natural ruggedness of the sport without missing the subtle nuances that make the experience personal."

Brett prefers to paint in transparent watercolors or oils, the subject generally dictating the medium used. He usually prefers oils for more complex scenes, watercolors when more spontaneous results are desired. Working in three dimensions, he recently completed his first bronze sculpture of a fly fisherman.

Brett employs the art of etching, nearly a lost art in today's "Kodacolor" world. Although a painstaking process, it can produce an antiquated appearance that cannot be duplicated in any other medium. With over 150 images to date he knows enough to realize that you never "master" this process but only learn more with each experience.

Brett's paintings hang in some of the most prestigious collections throughout the country. He has contributed to several books and his work has been featured in publications as Double Gun Journal, Ducks Unlimited magazine, Gray's Sporting Journal, Shooting Sportsman, and Sporting Classics. Brett also has been recognized for his work with such organizations as GCCA, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Ruffed Grouse Society, Ducks Unlimited and others.