"Culinary themes or food are my go-to subjects—painted either traditionally or completely out of context to make the viewer stop, think, and smile."

Artist Dwight Smith creates realistic watercolor paintings that evoke a familiar and comforting sense of kitsch and Americana. His works often feature everyday items portrayed with a playful and humorous twist. Drawing strength from his faith allows him to see art in ordinary objects. Dwight paints in his small yet tidy studio, working under the bright glow of his lamps. When not making art, he enjoys biking, hiking, and spending quality time with his wife.

In this interview, Dwight talks about his faith and artistic inspirations.

Please tell us about yourself.

I am a simple, quiet person. I am a man of few words, but I enjoy listening to other people. My wife and I love and enjoy each other's company. She is my special interest. We enjoy restoration stores and exploring small towns in Ohio.

What are you most proud of—whether in art or another part of your life?

I am most proud of helping to raise and love my son Ian. He was very young when my wife and I met and married. He had a clever sense of humor with a love and respect for others that is rarely seen in today's world. As far as my art, I try to honor this gift by painting every day.

Do you have any studio rituals that help you get into a creative flow?

No rituals. Making creative sense of all the ideas that pop up in my mind is the task at hand.

How do you structure your day?

I'm a morning person and start my day early. I generally begin with a workout to get all the muscles working as best they can, followed by a small breakfast.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

Still life paintings are my main interest. When the urge arises, I do enjoy the occasional landscape. My still life watercolors can be traditional, narrative, or modern, depending on the message I want to convey. In my work, I exaggerate the scale and placement of objects to express my ideas. Culinary themes or food are my go-to subjects—painted either traditionally or completely out of context to make the viewer stop, think, and smile.

How do you decide when an artwork is finished?

I'm a realist watercolor artist who tries to limit brushstrokes to create whatever I’m painting at the time. Not overworking a painting is always the main objective. The painting tells me when to stop and not add any more brushstrokes.

What is the most interesting observation someone has made about your work?

My paintings can connect the viewer to a pleasant memory and create a smile.

Is there an artwork from another artist that has had a significant impact on you?

Wayne Thiebaud and Edward Hopper are my favorite artists. Thiebaud's still life subjects give me inspiration, while Hopper's work brings me peace. If my art can do that, I'm happy.

What’s your favorite museum?

The National Gallery of Art in D.C. is high on the list. It took me five visits to get through all the galleries. The Columbus Museum of Art was near the art college I graduated from. They exhibited a few of Norman Rockwell's works when he passed. I will never forget that.

Is there anything else you’d like to share to help viewers better understand your work?

Most importantly, my faith in God fills my well and keeps the creative juices flowing.

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If you enjoyed this article about Dwight Smith's life and artwork, we recommend reading about Keith Thomson's witty compositions and Libby Ramage's paintings that blend humour and passion.