Red Mist - £150 (2012) Painting by Dorae Smith

Originally from South Africa where she obtained a degree in law, Dorae has been in the UK for 12 years. She is also a qualified homeopath and naturopath and continues to practice when she is not painting. Art has always been a source of comfort to her. Creating and painting is when she feels most 'at home'.

Her choice of colour is indicative of her South African roots; sometimes earthy and warm, at other times rich and bright, which is the way that she views her home country.

Colour as well as subject matter varies depending on what she feels moved by at the time. Many works are semi-abstract or abstract, representing as well as evoking mood and atmosphere. Others have a focal point such as a figure, face, object of nature but always set against an atmospheric background of a blend of colour. Some works are quirky and fun, reflecting a more playful side. These are more about bringing a smile than about reflection and mood.

The tools used also vary but Dorae favours large brushes as well as very fine brushes for detailed line work, a palette knife and applying paint straight from the tube. It is not uncommon to find that she has used all of these methods in a single painting. This adds texture and interest to the work - there is always something new to discover when revisiting the painting.

Some works are completed within hours, others take weeks or even months to complete.

Painting makes her smile, and if the end result can evoke an emotion or bring a smile to others, she feels that it has been a worthwhile endeavour.

• Nationality: SOUTH AFRICA
• Date of birth : 1975
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary South African Artists