LARRY SMITH
Larry LeRoy Smith was born in Clovis, New Mexico. He knew from an early age that he wanted to be a painter and create art. His parents realized his tremendous talent and supported him in his pursuit of artistic expression. Larry obtained his master’s degree from the University of New Mexico in 1968. For the last 36 years Larry has taught drawing, painting, photography, and filmmaking to Albuquerque Public School students and has served as an invaluable mentor to many aspiring teenage artists, as well as to college students and adults through University of New Mexico courses. For the past ten years Smith has traveled to Europe with high school students to further immerse himself in art, at the same time creating a wealth of stunning photographs. Another favorite place for Smith is Hawaii, with those travels resulting in some of his most moving “wave” paintings.
Smith’s philosophy about art and teaching can be summed up through several beliefs. He believes that art is an instrument that reflects changes in ideas and thoughts. Thus, in Smith’s view, there is no good art or bad art, nor art that is deemed right or wrong. Creative art at its best, engages a deep involvement in life, living and learning.
|