Jerre Smith
Artist’s Statement
As an artist I am always looking for that special moment in time that I would like to hold on to, preserve and share with others. It may be a glimpse of a bull elk, a stand of golden aspens, or the way light shines through the petals of a cactus flower. With camera at hand, I take lots of photos and then retreat to my easel to express what I have seen and felt during those moments.
Light and color are the essence of watercolor, and that is why it is my medium of choice. I paint with bright colors, strive for simplicity and use plenty of hard edges to get my point across. I enjoy the planning and patience watercolor demands, and at the same time love the surprises that come along when the medium does its own thing. After all, water is a part of nature, and it usually knows what’s best!
Originally from Upstate New York, Jerre Smith currently splits her time between homes in Keystone, Colorado and Surprise, Arizona.
Following a career in marketing and employee motivation, Jerre worked winters as a Ski Instructor at Keystone Resort in Colorado. To satisfy her creative side, she began painting watercolors during the summer months.
Jerre has served as Education Coordinator and President of Summit County Colorado’s Women of Watercolor. She is a juried member of the Vanguard Artists’ group in the Phoenix area, and a watercolor instructor for the Sun City Grand Art Club, where she serves on the club’s Board. Her watercolor paintings have been used in Colorado for posters for the Summit County Annual Garden Tour and the Keystone Beer and Bluegrass festival. She has shown her paintings in several galleries and exhibits in both Summit County Colorado and Surprise, Arizona. Her golf course paintings are currently on display at the River Course in Keystone, Colorado.
