British artist Peter Smith creates bold and imaginative compositions that reveal his infectious optimism and sense of fun. A love of painting took hold of Smith at a young age, when he began to experiment with color, shape, and form. After stints as a surveyor, computer programmer and graphic artist, Smith finally returned to painting and hasn’t looked back. Inspired by artists as varied as Will Bullas and Salvador Dalí, Smith finds that most of his inspiration comes from interacting with and watching other people. Smith explains, “Childhood memories of long summers and cold winters, the excitement of birthdays and Christmas never left me over the years, and it’s these feelings and playful emotions I like to convey in my work.”

“People ask me where I get my ideas from, the quirky animals, the strong colors and strange concepts, but I see them every day in the street, the people I meet, the feelings I experience. At the end of every day I have hundreds of images fighting for my attention and the chance to be painted.” When he does finally choose an image, Smith concentrates on building connections between the objects on the canvas, paying particular attention to the eyes of the characters, which also direct the attention of the viewer and allow him or her to understand the emotions that Smith is trying to convey through his work. “Turning a mass of colors and shapes into a picture locked in your imagination is an unforgettable experience,” Smith notes. “I hope you enjoy my world!”