Creating on Illusion - collage by Douglas Brent Smith Where's the illusion? What sleight of hand do we focus on? I think that I made this collage in 1989. That was so long ago and yet, in terms of illusions, not long at all. What do you think?
Back Inner Cover of Journal #33, Life In Progress, by Douglas Brent Smith, A collage that's not exactly a typical collage. It's what I often do with the back inner covers of my journals -- simply randomly put stickers, stamps, name tags, and other sticky objects.
She Could Juggle Anything, sketch by Douglas Brent Smith, from Journal #34, Mission Control. Juggling is dancing. Objects join in the dance. Sometimes you control those objects, sometimes those objects appear to control you. The illusion is part of the fun.
Wild Towers -- collage by Douglas Brent Smith Notes: In the lower right corner is one of my favorite photos -- my brother Dave and me at Grandmom and Grandpop Rogers' house. If you look closely you can see Grandpop Rogers sitting in his chair. He was probably reading the newspaper, the Bridgeton Evening News. It was a great newspaper in those days and Grandpop read it front to back every night. There are more clear versions of this picture, probably even in other collages because I love it so much. Those were wonderful days and I miss my little brother so much.
Charged and Ready -- sketch by Douglas Brent Smith Notes: This sketch was a bit light so I did go over it again with a marker on 23 May, 2026 but it is truly from 1 December 1998. If that seems like a long time ago to you, we agree on that.
Inspiration Station -- sketch by Douglas Brent Smith, 1998 What if you drew a picture while you were watching "Outer Limits" and "The Twilight Zone"? I don't remember if that was what was going on (probably not) but those are two of my favorite shows ever (in all of their iterations) so think of this as inspired by a UHF smoothie turning channel knob.
Echoes In The Hall - collage by Douglas Brent Smith Was it a drip? or a step it was many steps inching, creeping, closer music bouncing in the background sad, acoustic strums a tenor voice another, mezzo, soprano, twins unseen gently heard bespoke beyond a wandering bird
Do The Math -- pencil sketch by Douglas Brent Smith, 20 October, 1999. Is it odd that I don't usually draw in pencil? There is so much more opportunity to make changes in pencil, both additions and subtractions. Somehow, though, ink has usually been my choice. I think it might have something to do with contrast. For this rendering I increased the contrast in the file and saturation to bring the drawing out more. I also did what I could to minimize the notebook lines, even covering over the holes and cropping beyond the wire binding. I'm not sure what my head was thinking at the time -- we were shopping for a car to replace the Chevy Cavalier that "drowned" in a storm.
The Towers of Vettunder - painting by Douglas Brent Smith, acrylic. This one feels like another cover to a science fiction novel. In the 70's I might have tried to write that book. Maybe it's not too late.
The Insecure Plumber -- painting by Douglas Brent Smith, acrylic, 16 x 20, December 1976. As I photo these paintings the change in the light delights me. So much depends on how you look at things, how long you look at things, in what light, in what mood...it brings art even more alive. I didn't say it was good art, just delightful art. Only you can decide if it's good (to you). I have not painted like this in years. Perhaps someday I will again.
One More Cosmic Landscape -- painting by Douglas Brent Smith, acrylic, 12 x 16, December 1973. Here are two previous views of the same painting, photos that are at an angle. Discards, sure, but also interesting: One More Cosmic Landscape -- painting by Douglas Brent Smith, acrylic, 12 x 16, December 1973. Here's a cropped photo of the same painting. I couldn't figure out how to rotate it but I like seeing it at this angle.
