Meet Ford Smith - Ford Smith Fine Art

Meet Ford Smith

 

As one of the world’s foremost contemporary artists, Atlanta painter Ford Smith creates his radiantly serene landscapes with a vivid imagination and skilled precision reflective of decades-long experience, classical training and education—and a curious mind that continuously challenges the genre.

With signature vibrancy and phantasmagorical interpretations of trees, water, sky and other natural elements, he has effectively reinvented the modern landscape with this distinctive style of Expressionist painting.

Ford Smith’s artistic journey is one of inspiration, having returned to painting at the age of 50, following 25 years as Atlanta’s top fashion and commercial photographer--proving it’s never too late to follow your passion or your dream. His art career began in 1972, when he graduated with a degree in Painting (BFA) from the University of Mississippi. Fresh out of college, he gravitated to a job in graphic design to support himself which lead to an illustrious photography career. “I knew I was meant to be a painter, but my photography career was all-consuming and it left me with no time to paint.”

It wasn’t until the year 2000, on his 50th birthday, Ford chose to follow his true artistic heart.  He sold his successful photography business and made the leap into the world of fine art painting. He never took another professional photograph since.  He debuted his distinctive landscapes at a premier show in New York City where he and his stunning works were, quite literally, an overnight sensation.

Ford believes everything in his professional background served both of his careers. He recognizes that his classical art education made him a better-than-average professional photographer and, when he returned to painting after 25 years, having studied light and composition on such an extraordinary level (for most painters), that same photography career helped shape the artist he is today. 

Ford typically paints using no references, instead he follows a creative instinct with a near photographic memory that allows him to recall perfect perspective, composition and incandescent light. Every Ford Smith painting emerges 100% from the artist’s imagination, with an ease and precision rarely seen in the art industry.

Acclaimed by art critics, aficionados and collectors, Ford Smith and his distinctive landscape paintings have been featured in multitudinous art industry publications, newspapers, and major design/lifestyle magazines such as Architectural Digest and Florida Design. His work is exhibited in more than 20 fine art galleries from New York to Beijing, China and in thousands of private and corporate collections on 5 continents.

Ford resides in Roswell, Georgia with his wife, Cristi, along with their French Bulldog, Lola, and Boston Terrier, Billie Jean.  They have 2 grown children, Brian and Hilary, and 4 granddaughters. 

Watch this 8 minute video and learn of Ford's inspirations and techniques...!  

 

AND! 

This landmark radio interview below is the most in-depth discussion of Ford's inspirations, techniques and history than you'll find anywhere.  It's 20 minutes of Ford Smith IN HIS OWN WORDS, and you'll be the resident expert on Ford after listening and learning.

Click here for the RADIO INTERVIEW

Meet Us... 

Ford and Cristi Smith

Ford and Cristi Smith have been married 27 years and have operated Ford Smith Fine Art for the past 25 of them.  This formidable team of art professionals are well-versed in Ford Smith, as well as the professional art industry.
   
They are co-owners of Ford Smith Fine Art, purveyors of Ford Smith original paintings and publishers of his fine art limited editions sold in fine galleries around the world.  Ford's studio is located in the Atlanta suburb of Roswell, GA where they offer private studio visits by appointment.  Ford is also a guest artist in various galleries throughout Atlanta and they host several exclusive Ford Smith shows in Atlanta throughout the year.  Please contact us directly for in-person viewing opportunities at the studio gallery (678-908-1989).
                        
In their business partnership, Ford's job is creating extraordinary art, and Cristi--with her former 23-year career as a Fortune 100 retail marketing executive--does just about everything else.  She is also a masthead editor and writes for major art industry publications coaching artists, galleries and publishers on art business and marketing strategies.  
 
As the conventional art world and it's boundaries change, the Ford Smith art team evolves with it.  Fueled by thousands of loyal followers and collectors on social media, and the growing acceptance of non-traditional retail sales in nearly every luxury category, this online gallery was created for Ford Smith fans out-of-state and around the world.
             
 Additionally, Ford Smith's paintings are sold in exclusive fine art galleries with special guest artist appearances and shows in the USA and Canada.  We will keep you informed of when and where Ford will be on our blog and social media.
               
Our goal is to provide the most focused, informative and personalized fine art experience you'll find anywhere. 
Thank you for spending this time with us!  Enjoy your visit and we look forward to enlightening you with incredible art and making your dream of owning your own Ford Smith a reality.
 
Yours in friendship and fabulous art,
Ford and Cristi Smith