Paul McDonald Smith

Born in Melbourne 1956, Paul started painting in his early teens inspired by artist Sir William Dargie who was to become his friend and mentor. He has made a full-time career of painting in the tradition of tonal impressionism since 1978.
 
Past President of the VAS (1998–2003) Paul joined 'the Vics' in 1975—aged 18—when new members were only admitted twice a year. He has maintained his involvement with the VAS ever since including 12 years on Council.
 
Paul’s studies included Fine Art at RMIT, private study in tonal and academic painting (1973–79) and he received the 1986 Camberwell Travel Scholarship for European study.
 
As a young painter in the 1970s he shared a studio in Russell Street Melbourne with artist Donald Cameron—where the Hyatt Hotel now stands—concentrating on still-life and portrait painting; often painting lunch-time portraits of city workers. The support and guidance from Dargie over many years was a rare privilege, providing many priceless memories.

'The Ingredients' by Paul McDonald Smith OAM VAS FVAS FRSA

Oil on Linen. Private Collection.

Exhibiting since 1974 he received his first award for watercolour from Charles Bush that year. Paul has conducted painting classes and workshops since 1977 and has taught painting at the VAS since 1990. He has judged countless art awards throughout 5 states of Australia and was Chairman of the AME Bale Scholarship Judging and Advisory Panel for 11 years.

During his 5-year VAS presidency Paul renewed the links between the VAS and the Royal Art Society of NSW leading to reciprocal interstate exhibitions in 2000 and 2003.

Invited to join the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society in 1997, Paul was elected TMPS President in 2003–2013 and Vice President in 2018.

He established private painting groups, the Balwyn Oil Painters (1978) and the Moonee Valley Painters (1981) which continue today with enthusiastic members.

Well known for his paintings of flowers and still life, Paul’s work includes landscape, portrait, and figure painting. His many awards include the VAS Artist of the Year in 2001, the VAS Norman Kaye Medallion in 1998 and 1999. He is well represented in Public, Regional and Municipal collections including the Mildura Regional Art Gallery, Wangaratta City Art Gallery, Central Goldfields Gallery, many others in Victoria, NSW, and private collections worldwide.

 'Lilac and Daisies' by Paul McDonald Smith OAM VAS FVAS FRSA

Oil on Linen. Private Collection.

In 2005 Paul received the Order of Australia Medal for services to the Visual Arts as a painter and lecturer.

Paul is a Fellow, Signatory and Honorary Life Member of the VAS. Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts London in 1999, Past President and Honorary Member of the Glen Eira Cheltenham Art Group, Life Member of the Box Hill Art Group and Honorary Member of the Hobsons Bay Art Society.

His bibliography includes Mavericks and Masters—100 years of the TMPS, Who’s Who in Australia, State Library of Victoria—Oral History Interview, Australian Artist Magazine, VAS Journal, many editorial, biographical and curatorial publications.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

My paintings represent my interest in natural appearances and the time I shared before the motif. Fleeting or extended, I aim to capture the sensation of the moment—in the moment.

Paul McDonald Smith OAM VAS FVAS FRSA

July 2021