Sketch Smith
Recent Works
About
I began my professional artistic journey in Portraiture in January 2020, following my youngest child's second birthday and a house move in Brighton which meant I could finally make room to set up a studio and follow my dreams to draw for a living.
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I have always loved to draw from a very young age. I grew up in Somerset, where I studied Art A-Level and Art Foundation before graduating with a degree in Textiles & Surface Decoration in Buckinghamshire. This is where I specialised in floral design for Fashion and Homeware and secured an agent and moved to London.
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After establishing a 15 year career in Marketing and Design for various Fashion and Jewellery Designers, and loving this period of my life, I still somehow knew that I had to pursue my dream in portraiture. Once I had children, and settled in Brighton it was an easy decision to not return to London and my fashion career.
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I love to catch the essence of my subjects, I look to capture their emotion and soul. Portraits inspire me more than drawing or painting flowers due to the challenge of capturing the likeness however I have always drawn inspiration from our natural world and wanted to find a way to incorporate this within my portraiture and offer the option of including symbolic elements of nature.
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In addition to the portrait itself I also offer the option to include a small paper stamp seal design which is bespoke to the individual. These designs often incorporate initials, zodiac signs, ruling elements and birth flowers. No one design is the same and the elements used depends on the individual's preference and their story.
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In tandem with my portrait work I am currently learning to silversmith. This is a craft which greatly intrigues and inspires me. I has always loved jewellery, and found the healing properties of gem stones fascinating. I am planning to offer beautiful bespoke stamp seal charm necklaces and signet rings in addition to the commissioned artwork. The bespoke piece of jewellery will be designed and developed from the personalised pencil stamp seals.
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I love the idea of creating a piece of art and a piece of jewellery which are linked with sentimental meaning and symbols - two very special keepsake gifts to cherish forever.
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Testimonials
"A big thank you to Nik for her lovely words and a fantastic talent, capturing Louba, perfectly. Louba was a very special cat, starting off as a street cat and adopted by a friend who had to leave Dubai, so Louba adopted me and Ron. When the time came for us to also leave Dubai I knew she had to come with us. She is sorely missed by both us. This picture will take pride of place in our home, but I have to wait until I can pick it up and personally thank Nik"
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Maddy
November 2021
