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George H Smyth is an artist born in Ardglass, County Down, Northern Ireland, in 1968.

History

George H. Smyth was born in the picturesque fishing village of Ardglass, Co. Down in 1968. This idyllic setting provided the perfect playground for his childhood. He enjoyed long summers on the surrounding beaches, the local harbour and the village's famous golf course.

He was surrounded by paintings from as far back as he can remember. His father, being a talented water-colourist, encouraged him and his brother to draw and was always keen to lend a skilful hand with school projects. "I remember there being a print of an Edward Wadsworth painting in our home at that time. A maritime themed still life which always intrigued me as a child", he says, "this combined with my father's enthusiasm and love of all things related to the sea influenced me greatly. I know as well that he bounced me on his knee while watching the moon landing in 1969, perhaps this lead me to including it in a lot of paintings."

It wasn't before long that George discovered the work of Salvador Dali and this as he says himself was a pivotal moment in his life. "Up until that point art was something I really enjoyed and always managed to get good marks at in school, but on seeing Dali's work I realised it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life!"

Before entering Art College George's name had already come to public attention when he produced the uncompromising art work for Irish rock band Therapy?. Introduced by a mutual friend to the drummer, Fyfe Ewing, a connection was made and the band chose George to design the cover of their debut, self financed single and two subsequent albums. He has fond memories of this period, "That was a great time being involved with those guys. Here were three very talented, angry young musicians who wanted to make music that sounded like nothing else around at that time." Their attitude reflected George's own and the resulting images are as loud as the music!

From 1991 to'94 George attended The University of Ulster and left with a B.A Honours degree in Fine Art. His work from this period of his life, living in Belfast, is a world away from the paintings that would make him famous. Heavily influenced by the German Expressionists, the Scottish Realists; Ken Currie and Peter Howson, (who he had befriended) and the work of local painters; Rita Duffy and Dermot Seymour , his own work became dark and brooding. It was also during this time that George started to travel and this was to have lasting affect on his artistic output.

Travelling The World

Travelling the world and visiting galleries and museums allowed him to study paintings he had only pondered over in books. Seeing the work of De Chirico, Magritte and of course Dali consummated his love with the surrealists. Cultural experience also fired his imagination and paintings such as "The Mask", "Time Traveller" and "Man and Painting" are all direct results of visiting such places as Fiji, Egypt and Australia.

California soon became his favourite destination, making Los Angeles his base he travelled all over the state. Charged by the heat and light he felt the need to inject this into his paintings, attempting to imbue the local landscape of home, (which he was beginning to use in his work), with the climate of the Golden State. "Tyrella Beach infused with the L.A. sunshine is probably a good way of describing a lot of the work", he says.

Tyrella, Co.Down where the artist has lived since 1995 is a major influence on his art. His studio has one of the best views in Ireland. "To the east is St. Johns Point and famous lighthouse, over west I have a dramatic panorama of the equally famous Mourne mountains and miles of horizon in between. Who wouldn't be inspired?".

Current Work And Commissions

Since leaving the city and moving out to the beach George has worked hard to become one of Ireland's most sought-after artists. One-man shows quickly sold out and demand for private commissions took precedence over putting on exhibitions. His canvasses engage both the heart and mind, provoking thought and stimulating debate in all who see them. He hopes this website will provide fans of his paintings the opportunity to view the progression of his work and an understanding of his influences.

External links

• artist archive website dating back to 1990 includes Therapy? covers and work by his father
• A commercial gallery carrying images of work by George H Smyth

[1]==See also==

• List of Northern Irish artists