Introducing the Pirate Series
“Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be Pirates” —Mark Twain
For the first time ever, Ford Smith sets sail on the open seas in commanding ships with bustling crews bound for unknown places and treasures. The vibrant, rolling oceans and dramatic skies are classic Ford Smith seascape, but with a captivating rogue spin ...and spirit!
The Pirate series began several months ago when Ford was completing a beautiful moonlit seascape and he couldn't help but feel that it wasn't quite finished. After a few minutes of pondering, he knew exactly what was missing.
Relying solely upon his painting skills, recollection and imagination, Ford created his first pirate ship, sailing towards the rising moon ...and a series was born.
He surprised and thrilled fans with "Close to Midnight", a 11" x 8" original painting from the Small Wonders collection. It was acquired by a savvy collector within minutes. The continued attention that this small painting garnered in such a short time was astonishing.
Apparently, Ford tapped into the thrilling romanticism and nostalgia of pirate life--artfully revealing viewer's adventurous and "swashbuckling" natures. As Johnny Depp was once quoted, "Life is pretty good, and why wouldn't it be? I'm a pirate, after all."
Although he usually loves every hour he spends in the studio, Ford was exceptionally entertained while creating this series. Urged on by collector enthusiasm, artistic curiosity and sense of adventure, he began further studying these sea roving vessels and interpreted them in an intricate, expressionist style that is quintessential Ford Smith.
He even raided a personal stash of older seascape originals that he hadn't quite finished or generally felt needed "something more". Ford then reimagined them with the pirate theme, modifying and bettering the skies and seas with this renewed perspective in the process.
Working like a captain and playing like a pirate, Ford stayed with the theme, creating 6 larger paintings that were acquired quickly, as well. Each one of these paintings as poetic and powerful as the next.
Good news for collectors! Six of these paintings will live beyond the originals. Ford Smith Fine Art has just released them as fine hand embellished limited editions on canvas and you may view and acquire them HERE. We have also posted TWO new originals you'll find HERE.
We hope you enjoy--and become a part of--this seafaring journey with Ford as he makes this brief and important artistic detour.
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Extended Pop-Up!
The Ford Smith Fine Art Gallery has been invited to extend our stay at Avenue East Cobb and we've accepted!
We will be hosting gallery shows unveiling new paintings with the artists in attendance, as well as specially-scheduled gallery hours through the months of January and February (but always open by appointment). Spring through Summer 2023 will resume a more regular schedule of business hours. Stay tuned!
Cristina Smith
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