Artist Statement
In a world often cluttered with complexity and noise...
I find my creative voice in the semi-abstract landscapes and portraits that I paint.
No two skies or landscapes are ever the same, and it’s this impermanence that shapes my work. I draw inspiration from the changing light and textures around my barn studio, Studio Hillside, as well as from road trips, time outdoors, poetry, and fleeting moments in nature.
I often start with watercolour or oil pastels to explore ideas and compositions before moving to acrylics, working loosely and sometimes letting the paint drip. Layering transparencies and glazes has become a hallmark of my style, often recognized as distinctly “Allison.” I work in batches or “collections,” inspired by trips, a time of day, or concepts around landscapes, allowing me to focus on colour stories and place.
Journaling and quiet reflection are central to my practice, helping me connect deeply with both my work and the natural world. My goal is to create paintings that invite viewers to share in the calm, beauty, and wonder that inspires me.
Artist Bio
Allison Robin Smith is a Canadian landscape painter and art educator based near Montreal, Quebec. Originally from Alberta, she studied Illustration and Design at Dawson College in Montreal before settling in Quebec, inspired by its lakes, mountains, and ever-changing light.
From her converted barn studio, Allison creates semi-abstract landscapes and portraits using layered acrylics, watercolours, and oil pastels. Working in collections inspired by trips, times of day, or concepts of land, Her signature style—loose, layered, and thoughtful— emerges from journaling and personal reflection. She has been teaching art since 2018, helping students explore their creativity and build confidence in their work.
Committed to fostering a vibrant arts community, Allison co-founded the annual art show Art de Vivre in Hudson in 2023 and opened Le Collectif – L’art de Vivre in 2025, a gallery and studio hosting exhibitions, workshops, courses, and creative events.