Pam Smart Derbyshire Artist

Whilst studying graphic design at University, life took an unexpected turn when I won the Royal Society of Arts Student Design Award, which included a work placement in the design department at John Lewis in London and a travel bursary to explore arts and crafts in India!

Travelling in India was a life changing experience and I had some amazing adventures! From trekking in the Thar desert on camel back, visiting ancient monuments & temples, meeting local craftspeople and even performing as an extra in a Bollywood film! The seven months that I spent there has certainly had a lasting impression on me - it started my life long passion for travelling and stimulated my love of pattern and colour.

You can see some of my India journal in a video featured on the sketchbook page.

After travelling India I trained as a specialist teacher of art and design, working at schools in Manchester, Stafford and Chesterfield, completing my 24 year career as Head of Art at Chapel High School in Derbyshire.

I am now a full time artist working from my home studio in Buxton. I am proud to be a member of the highly regarded Peak District Artisans and High Peak Artists and exhibit regularly with both groups. I had the honour of representing Buxton in a European touring art exhibition where eight of my paintings were selected and exhibited in Germany, France and Belgium. I’ve had paintings selected for the prestigious Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours exhibition at The Mall Galleries in London and have received several awards at the Buxton Spa Prize painting competition. You can see some of the other projects I have been involved in on the events page.

Drawing plays a big part in my work and is important in developing my painting practice. As early as I can remember I have drawn and have continued to draw throughout my career as a teacher and now as an artist. I often create sketches in situ and enjoy nothing more than sketching outside in a beautiful location. These sketches can provide the inspiration and framework for developing ideas in the studio but are often just for the joy of it. To find out more about my drawing and sketching practice visit my processes page about sketchbooks.