David Smith RSW is a Scottish landscape and still life painter whose work is deeply influenced by his love of the outdoors and travel. A passionate hillwalker, mountaineer, and sailor, David has explored landscapes around the world. Through his travels, David absorbs the diversity of natural environments, yet his heart remains firmly connected to the Scottish landscape which provides the primary inspiration for his work.
David's artistic journey has been shaped by both formal and self-directed learning. He has studied at various institutions, including Glasgow Print Studio, Glasgow College of Building and Printing, Glasgow School of Art, and Latrobe University in Melbourne, Australia.
In 2011, David was elected to the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW) and has since exhibited at prestigious venues, including the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA), the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts (RGI), and the Paisley Art Institute (PAI). In 2016, he became an Elected Member of the Scottish Artists' Benevolent Association, recognising his significant contributions to the art community. His work has earned numerous awards, such as the Fabriano Residency Award (RSW) and the House for an Art Lover Award (PAI).
David's painting style is deeply rooted in the landscapes of Scotland, particularly the rugged west coast. His works often feature expansive skies, capturing the vastness and wildness of the Scottish wilderness and the unique sense of space and freedom these areas provide. Frequently camping outdoors to observe the ever-changing conditions, David notices details that many would overlook, from shifting light to the subtle hues of the sky. He is particularly drawn to the small fishing villages that dot the west coast, with their charming harbours, traditional crofts, rocky shorelines, boats, and fishing memorabilia often forming the foregrounds of his compositions. Through his careful observation and use of vibrant colours, David infuses his work with a sense of movement and energy, establishing a deep emotional connection to the land and its natural elements.
In addition to his landscapes, David paints still lifes, approaching them with a painterly, cheery style that feels uplifting and vibrant. His use of bold, bright colours brings a sense of joy and vitality to these works.
David predominantly works in oil paint, often layering the medium directly onto the canvas rather than using a palette, which gives his paintings a raw, textured quality. Dedicated to working en plein air, he braves the unpredictable Scottish elements to paint outdoors, allowing him to capture the true essence of the landscape and study its colours and light in greater detail than if he worked solely in the studio. While he often uses sketchbooks to capture ideas on location, he frequently takes his canvases outside to paint on-site, completing them in the studio when necessary due to the challenging weather.
When painting, David enters a reflective state that allows him to immerse fully in his work. This approach infuses his paintings with a sense of calm and tranquility. His landscapes and still lifes resonate with a quiet, evocative beauty that speaks to the peacefulness he finds in nature.
