We were lucky to catch up with Lucas Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucas, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always had a natural inclination toward art, knowing deep down that I wanted to be an artist. I was fortunate growing up with multiple mentors who nurtured my talents, guiding me along my artistic journey. I drifted from actively pursuing art over time but felt drawn to create again after relocating to San Diego from the Midwest in 2021.

I began exploring abstract art and the San Diego art community, taking workshops at Art on 30th and the San Diego Watercolor Society and continue being inspired by the variety of artists I have met since. I made the decision to delve deeper into my craft, learning more so I could pursue my artistic path professionally. I was accepted into a 6-month artist mentorship and development program. I had the opportunity to study under three local professional artists, gaining new skills and insights that have enriched my practice. The program is designed to help artist create a cohesive body of work so they can approach galleries as well as teach them the fundamentals of bringing their art to the marketplace as well as having an online presence.

In parallel, I became a member of and submitting to local art galleries. Being juried into multiple shows combined with the insight gained in the mentorship program increased my confidence to purposefully pursue being a full-time professional artist.

I was also fortunate being juried into Gallery 21 in Spanish Village at Balboa Park for my first solo exhibition. Minimal Designs and Organic Shapes was held for two weeks in April with over 800 visitors and 21 paintings sold. I have since completed five private commissions, attend a weekly advanced art paintings and critique workshop, and established my base out of Studio 12 of Ashton Gallery at Art on 30th in North Park, San Diego.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As an emerging artist, I have discovered a limited color palette that is unique to me, which I find both challenging and inspiring. I am deeply engaged in exploring different types of abstract art, including seascapes, shapes and forms, and abstract organic works that incorporate natural materials or found objects. This exploration, within my self-imposed guidelines, allows me to push my boundaries, collaborate with other artists, and experiment with new techniques. I believe this stage of artistic discovery is vital for every artist—a time to be loose, to experiment, and to uncover what resonates most, ultimately shaping my artistic voice and vision.

Over the past two years, I have honed my skills further, successfully presenting my work in galleries, entering shows, and bringing my art to the marketplace. In this time, I’ve exhibited my work in several galleries throughout Southern California, achieved over 40 sales this past year, and received several accolades, including an Honorable Mention, two 1st Place awards, a 2nd Place award, the People’s Choice Award, and a Juror’s Choice award.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Purchasing original art from emerging artists is a powerful way to support the local creative community and contribute to a vibrant cultural ecosystem. When you invest in the work of an emerging artist, you are not only recognizing their talent but also encouraging other creatives to pursue their passion, knowing there is an appreciative audience for their work. This support fosters a thriving environment where artists can continue to explore and innovate, leading to a more dynamic and diverse artistic landscape. Moreover, by valuing and collecting original art, you help build a community that celebrates creativity and inspires others to do the same, ensuring the growth and sustainability of the arts for future generations.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my online presence has been a process, one that required careful planning and dedication. I allocated specific time for administrative duties, ensuring that I could manage the necessary tasks without compromising my creative work. By pre-planning my content and strategy, I was able to maintain a consistent and professional online presence. Throughout this process, I made it a priority to stay authentic to myself, sharing my genuine artistic journey and voice with my audience. This authenticity has been key to connecting with others and growing my online community.

This question is near and dear to my heart as I happen to be teaching a workshop in September at Art on 30th that will cover building a successful online presence and creating a professional artist website. Someone once told me the most important thing as an emerging artist is to get your work seen. Social media is the primary venue to achieve that by reaching and collaborating with other artists, galleries, collectors and potential buyers. Having a professional website that features my body of work is invaluable as an extension of my social media presence. I love sharing my experience with other artists to assist them in building their own audience!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lucassmithfineart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucassmithart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucasSmithArt/
• Twitter: https://x.com/lucassmithart