BAC's Atrium Gallery to feature Candace Smith in October

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  Bosque County artist Candace Smith finds inspiration in the world around her, painting in her home studio. Smith is the Atrium Gallery's October featured artist, and will hold an artist's reception Oct. 10 at the BAC. Photo by Ashley Barner

  Bosque County artist Candace Smith finds inspiration in the world around her, painting in her home studio. Smith is the Atrium Gallery's October featured artist, and will hold an artist's reception Oct. 10 at the BAC. Photo by Ashley Barner

Bosque County artist Candace Smith draws inspiration from her surroundings, painting scenes of wild beauty seen across Texas.

Growing up, Smith learned to paint while spending time with one of her aunts, and at just ten years old she was attending adult art classes.

Though as a teenager Smith took a break from painting, she made a comeback during ministry school by sketching book reports.

Smith said she wants to create meaningful art that people want to spend time with and enjoy. She takes inspiration from Texas Dalhart Windberg, who is known for his use of light, color and shadow in his paintings. Smith said she spent hours looking at his paintings trying to find all the hidden images painted into the still lifes and landscapes.

With four rescue dogs, three rescue donkeys and two rescue birds, Smith has her hands full yet still makes time to paint.

Smith said her art studio and the pastures surrounding her home were her happy place. She invites her Creator into her studio to paint with her.

“Art is everywhere. Working with the Creator makes it fun and joyful. Doing it alone feels forced,” Smith said.

She specializes in layering glazes to create textured effects, and has recently been experimenting with water colors.

Smith has lived all over Texas, with much time spent in south Texas. She moved to Bosque County in 2020 and immediately found sanctuary within the Bosque Arts Center.

“The BAC has been a great support,” Smith said. “It’s a place where I feel safe to be vulnerable with my art.

Smith will be featured in the Atrium Gallery during the month of October. An artist’s reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 at the BAC.