My expressionistic work is intuitive. As I add more paint, movement, shape and texture to the work, it develops itself and becomes a painting. The experience is not a deliberate, intellectual one, but a journey, from beginning to end. I enter the painting feeling like climbing in and tiptoeing around. This is how I get the depth in my work by experiencing it first hand. I am part of the painting.Initially my early works were paintings about my children and my emotional response to them. Trying to teach myself that they too have their own journey; trying to always love, support and accept them for the young adults they are becoming.Often I am not sure what I am expressing until I am about two thirds done, and then realize the purpose of the creation. Using oils is like having a love affair. I become totally entranced with the way they move and glisten across the canvas. They can be manipulated and built up like a sculpture, painted over, smudged or smeared. They respond and are forgiving, a virtue I respect most.Expressing myself on canvas softens my desire to change and accept life's journey on it's own terms.Now living in Sarasota, FL and inspired by the beauty of nature - water, birds and the weather.EDUCATION:The Hunakai School of Fine Arts, Foxboro, MARhode Island School of Design, Providence, RIBridgewater State CollegeBridgewater, MAMaster of Science, Bachelor of Science Beverly Smith joined Fine Art America on November 15th, 2011. Excellent