Louis Smith is a classically trained painter born in Manchester. From an early age Louis had a strong visual interest. Finding it more interesting to look at the cover of a book rather than the text inside it. At school he found his main interest was the art classes. Fortunately he had teacher who spotted his artistic abilities and encouraged him to study art full-time. He took a undergraduate foundation course in Art and Design at Tameside College. The course lasted two years and he specialised in Fine Art Painting for the second year.

Education

Once he had completed this programme he went on to study a BA Honours degree in Fine Art Painting at Sheffield University.
At university, he found the experience frustrating, because the skills of drawing and painting were no longer encouraged. His artistic direction was neither accepted or appreciated by the instructors. As a result he had little confidence surviving in the realm of conceptual art. In 1991 he took a new direction.

His desire to learn the skills to make himself a better artist lead him to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art London. Studying scene painting and learning the basics of painting backgrounds and props. After graduating from the academy he felt more confident making a living in an industry that appreciated his skills as a realist painter. At the beginning of his career he assisted other scenic artists. He was inspired by some very talented people, and strove to rise to their level throughout his career.
In his spare time he created his own paintings and in 2004 showcased his work at the Fresh Art Fair, London. He gained interest from a number of galleries and went on to exhibit at both the Farmelo Gallery and Cork Gallery in London.

His imagination was sparked to find such an extensive resource dedicated to the promotion of realistic art. He also found artists painting in the classical style and academies of learning still in existence. It was a world he longed for since he first started to study art. He decided to stop compromising himself and commit fully to Classical Realism Art and this is when he went on to study in Florence.

Recent Exhibitions.

Manchester Academy of Fine Art, Pimlico Gallery 2016
Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2015
Shortlisted, New Light Art Competition 2015
Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2014
Royal Society of Portrait Painters Competition 2012
2nd place BP Portrait Award 2011
ING Discerning Eye Award 2010
Shortlisted by Threadneedle Prize for painting and sculpture 2009
Royal Society of Portrait Painters Competition 2010
BP Portrait Award 2009