We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rebecca Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rebecca below.
Rebecca, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Other than 2 art classes in high school and some YouTube tutorials, I’m completely self-taught. I started painting regularly in 2016 with acrylic on canvas. My focus then was on planets, moons and space-themed art. I loved acrylic paint and still do, but I naturally migrated toward experimenting with other mediums as years went on. It wasn’t until 2020 that I committed to learning and becoming skilled with watercolor and gouache on paper. Around that time, I was inspired by the animated illustrations from lofi music videos–the calming, atmospheric scenes really spoke to me and piqued my interest in creating dreamy landscapes. Without the structure of formal education, I’ve relied heavily on trial and error, essentially learning from each piece I create.
Being self-taught has had its advantages and disadvantages. While not having formal guidance sometimes made the process longer, it allowed me the freedom to explore mediums and styles that might not have fit into a structured curriculum. Although it has taken me longer because I haven’t had a clear map of what I’m “supposed” to do, I think it has enabled me to develop my own style through organic exploration and experience, which adds authenticity to my art.
Some obstacles that stood in my way were all internal for the most part. I was learning how to paint, but I was also getting acquainted with my new life after my mom died in 2014. Grief is a never-ending process that is unpredictable at times, so I had to allow time and space for that. Something else that held me back was trying to rush things, coincidentally enough.
A valuable lesson I’ve learned is that fear is a very good map of the steps you are supposed to take. If it scares you, you should probably do it. It was scary to put my art on display at my first pop-up market last year, but since then it has opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed had I not taken that leap of faith. Sometimes it just takes one step.
My first market was The Wicked Market, I highly recommend checking out their community and what they have to offer, I will be forever grateful to them for accepting me.
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.
I’m Rebecca Reid Smith, the artist behind Rebecca Reid Studio. I’m a visual artist who works primarily with watercolor and gouache. I’m drawn to gouache, a water-based medium, because it offers both vibrancy and a soft, matte finish that pairs well with the scenes I paint. I’m self-taught, which I think sets me apart because although I haven’t been formally instructed, it has allowed my creative flow to be completely unfiltered.
I mentioned that I went through the loss of my mother to cancer, which inevitably changed me as a person. A void was created when she passed, but the universe doesn’t like blank space. So, I turned fresh pain into fresh paint and created a new world, more colorful than I could have ever imagined.
I create dreamy, atmospheric landscapes that aim to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and emotional reflection. Much of my work focuses on moments that feel both fleeting and timeless, like sunsets or that magical period right between day and night. I hope to capture these quiet moments of transition and the calm they provide.
Since I’m heavily influenced by nostalgia, my goal is to create a sense of familiarity, as if the viewer is seeing a place they’ve been to before, either in a memory, a dream, or just in their imagination. Being a Nashville native, I take the majority of my reference photos in and around the city, particularly the suburbs. Nashville’s blend of urban and rural elements inspires much of the mood in my art. I often add everyday things such as power lines, street lights and utility poles because I like the way they interact with the softness of the sky– I find the contrast visually appealing. My paintings and prints are typically the size of standard photographs, enhancing the intimate, nostalgic vibe I want to convey. In addition to paintings and prints, I offer original bookmarks, postcards, as well as stickers, magnets and recently, t-shirts and tote bags.
On top of watercolor and gouache, painting walls and simple murals in my home has become an unexpected creative outlet for the past 2 years. I use bold and pastel 80s inspired colors and unlike my paintings, it requires less focus and attention that feels more freeing. It’s an enjoyable way for me to let go and create without the same level of scrutiny I apply to my art. I’ve also always been into interior decorating, so it’s fun to combine the two.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn was listening to well-meaning people who had no experience in my field and letting their opinions rush me into decisions. Early on when I was still painting space themed art in acrylic, people were saying I should start an Instagram account just for my art, make prints, etc. And while it was very flattering, I don’t think it was good advice. I hadn’t even developed my own style yet. I didn’t know or trust myself as well back then, so I did a lot of the things people suggested.
Rushing into things actually held me back, because instead of taking the time to truly learn how to paint and develop a style unique to me, I was trying to follow advice that didn’t align with where I was at in my journey. To learn and be truly skilled at something, you have to do just that–learn it. It takes time. In retrospect, I realize that the art I create today is a result of having gone through that slower process. I’m still evolving and at peace with not doing things at a rapid pace, because you know what they say about the turtle.
I know everyone’s experience is different, but someone may benefit from this– unlearn everything you know about who you think will support you. If you’re new to this, realize there will be people close to you who may act like they don’t see you, especially when you begin to succeed. It reminds me of the scene in Cinderella when she’s entering the ball and the guards subtly shift their eyes to notice her as she passes. She has no idea they’re looking at her and they don’t want her to, but they are.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my art resonates with both men and women and even more rewarding to know it appeals to people of all ages. I’ve had teenagers buy my paintings and prints, as well as seniors. I’ve said it before, but I’m sure it’s similar to playing your music and seeing people dance to it. The positive energetic exchange is something I don’t take for granted.
One of my favorite moments is when I see someone staring intently at a piece, lost in thought, and then sharing that it reminds them of their childhood neighborhood or another place that holds deep meaning. One woman even said a particular painting reminded her of a recurring dream. I know it’s a privilege to witness how art can evoke such personal connections and emotions, and it inspires me to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rebeccareidstudio.com
- Instagram: rebeccareidstudio
