Joe Smith, one of the Valley’s better known fine artists, will hold a one-man show of his work July 7 and 8 at Filberg Heritage Lodge in Comox.
The show, which has become an annual summer event, will feature a variety of works depicting local and West Coast scenes, all painted in a realistic style. Done in watercolours or acrylics, Smith’s paintings range from the soft, muted colors of a stormy day on Goose Spit to the vibrant colors of a sunset on the Pacific Rim.
“I like to paint what I see in front of me,” says Smith. “I do make some modifications such as eliminating a tree branch here and there or adding in an interesting piece of driftwood but for the most part people can go and actually stand on the spot that was my vantage point.”
For many Valley residents and visitors, they can do just that as they contemplate a view of the glacier painted from along Dyke Road, relive a day’s skiing atop Mount Washington or picture themselves walking the beach at Goose Spit. All of Smith’s paintings are designed to capture the beauty that is uniquely British Columbia.
“If artists are supposed to make a statement with their work,” says Smith. “Then I suppose my statement is to stop, take a moment and enjoy what we have before us. We live in a beautiful part of the world so we should take the time to appreciate what we have.”
While visiting Smith’s show at the lodge, visitors can also take the opportunity to tour this historic building, walk the grounds and top it all off by enjoying tea or treat themselves to a delicious lunch at the Tea House.
Smith’s show is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lodge is located at 61 Filberg Road in Comox.
For further information about the Lodge, visit www.filberg.com or call 250-339-2715.
— Joe Smith