NICOLE DE SMIDT IB Visual Arts Lincoln School Costa Rica

"Absence" by Nicole de Smidt  

Mixed Media

 "Me, myself and I" by Nicole de Smidt 

Oil on canvas

"Solitude" by Nicole de Smidt

Acrylics on canvas

" Venezia" by Nicole de Smid

Acrylics on canvas

  "Balance in Chaos" Nicole de Smidt

Mixed Media

"Self Destruction" by Nicole de Smidt 

Mixed media

"Inner chaos" by Nicole de Smidt

Mixed media

 "Is it worth it" by Nicole de Smidt 

"Take a look at the real enemy"  by Nicole de Smidt 

Mixed Media

"Blindness or sight"  by Nicole de Smidt

Mixed Media

 "Hypocrites"  by Nicole de Smidt 

Acrylics on canvas

 "The muppets"  by Nicole de Smidt 

Assamblage

 

The Artist Statement

Nicole de Smith

 

            When I first enrolled into the IB art course, I didn’t know what to expect. I loved painting and drawing, but most importantly I loved to have a way to express my thoughts and emotions freely. When I started this course I experimented with various techniques and media in order to find the one I felt comfortable and agile. I tried mixed media, oils, watercolors, photography, and charcoal. Even though I did enjoy most of them I found most fascinating acrylics and palette knives, so I decided to focus in that technique.

 One of the artists who influenced me was Francoise Nielly. She is a French painter and photographer. Her paintings are expressive and exhibit an incredible vital energy. What inspired me was the loosen way she uses color and line. She is not afraid to show the world what she believes. I want to be able to do that with my paintings. I believe that using palette knives gives me this freedom and expression.

 When I started the course the purpose of my work was to focus on the connection of cultures and how cultural diversity is common in almost every country. Later on as I grew as an artist I decided to change my subject into a matter that is present in modern day society. Society tries to hide the problems that surround us, like women trafficking, drugs, “beauty”, pollution and many more. This is presented in my artworks because I believe we, as a society should face our inner problems and then open our eyes towards everything that is going on around us.

 During my artworks I have faced various problems. The first time I had to paint I felt terrified. I thought I was going to ruin it and didn’t allow myself to paint freely and fill the artwork with color. As time passed I overcame this fear and I am now able to paint my artworks freely with excitement.

Investigation Workbook Pages

Nicole de Smidt