Peter Smith’s art appeals to people of all ages and walks of
life. It could be classified as modern art and as children’s art. It has even
been called animal art. Peter Smith uses smooth, bold lines, shapes, bright
colors and reoccurring themes to create a style all his own. And the
Impossimals are unmistakable.
The cuddly Impossimals have been described as animals of all
kinds. Some people think they resemble a hippopotamus. Other people think their
stripes make them look like a giraffe, a zebra or even a tiger. Their ears, big
eyes and long snouts have also been said to resemble cows. While they may view
them differently, one thing is certain: people love the sweet looking
Impossimals.
What’s behind the big eyes of an Impossimal? They are all
based on real people, a fact that Peter Smith says surprises many viewers.
Some of the Impossimals are even based on Peter Smith
himself! ‘My Feet Hurt’ was painted after he took 'a walk that went awry' and
along the way exclaimed 'my feet hurt!' This painting also marks the first
appearance of Peter Smith’s rabbit, a character that has reappeared in several
paintings since, such as ‘Bunny My Hunny.’
Two popular characters, Mr. Lubba Lubba and Lucinda, are
based on Peter Smith’s married friends. Their love story is shown in a series
of paintings, complete with hidden messages: The first two paintings in their
series fit together and create a one big heart. Peter Smith admits that he
hides 'a lot of information and visual trickery' in his paintings, adding an extra
element of fun to his art.
Many of Peter Smith’s paintings show his great sense of
humor, with Impossimals in funny situations. In his own words he describes,
‘Let Me See!’ as 'a very vivid piece in blues, reds and oranges that
immediately made me laugh when I thought of the concept. It shows two of my
characters peering back at the viewer from the corners of the canvas looking as
much into our world as we look into theirs, both with a look of surprise as if
they have just noticed us the viewers looking back at them.'
The paintings do not just make Peter laugh, people can’t
help but laugh or smile when they see the funny art.
Another common theme in Peter Smith’s paintings is love, and
what better way to show love than with hearts. His art could be described as
very light-hearted. He 'loves to draw hearts' and puts them in many of the
paintings, creating a feeling of love and delight.
‘Love Is All Around’ features an Impossimal surrounded by
glowing red hearts. The popular print is available in a limited edition giclee,
as are many of Peter Smith’s paintings. Original paintings sell quickly.
Fortunately giclee print reproductions allow others to enjoy the art as well. Around
the world people are seeking Peter Smith’s joyful art to brighten up their walls.
It is especially wonderful art for children. The Impossimals
fascinate kids of every age. Parents and grandparents have been clamoring to
purchase posters and fine art giclees to hang on their children’s walls – and
their own! The vibrant colors and strong lines make it perfect art to decorate
your home.
Recently Peter Smith’s Impossimals have come to life as
limited edition sculptures. ‘When Two Hearts Beat As One’ is a whimsical art
piece featuring two black and white, zebra-like Impossimals sitting back to
back. The negative space between their bodies forms a perfect heart shape. A
red heart suspended between them makes the sculpture very magical.
Constantly inspired by the world around him, Peter Smith
says he dreams up new paintings nearly every day. He has so many ideas that he
doesn’t have time to paint them all right away. Instead he sketches them in a
notepads which fill up fast and paints them later.
Peter Smith has enormous enthusiasm and says he 'cannot
really get through a day without painting.' Bursting with ideas, he paints in
his home studio from 6:30am to 5pm every day. He works on as many as 30
paintings at once. Sometimes he will paint two at the same time, switching back
and forth between easels. And if the Impossimal does not look just right, the
painting ends up 'in the bin.' The garbage bin that is, and he starts all over.
When he’s not painting, Peter Smith can be found enjoying
his favorite past time: fossil hunting.
From the moment they appeared, Peter Smith’s Impossimals
have touched the hearts of people throughout the world. They have become one of
the most collectible works in modern art and children’s art. They will continue
to delight people of all ages for years to come.
