Welcome to my website. In these pages you'll find artwork that began in Detroit, MI, where I grew up. My initial exposure to any form of art other than Disney animation and story art for their movies had to be the action comic books of the late 50's and early 60's. As my artistic interests became a journey of discovery, I wanted to learn all about the artists in the DIA (Detroit Institute of Art). Hidden away in a small, dark room overlooking the courtyard, I found a self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh. I was dazzled by its brilliance and wanted to know how all those dots and splashes of color felt like Vincent was alive on canvas.

   This interest in art led me to enroll in Cass Tech High School, the premier arts and science high school in the city, an hour's bus ride into downtown Detroit. Thankfully, the long bus ride was well worth it, made possible by inspiring teachers like Mr. Brackett and Mr. Johnson. They brought a wealth of knowledge in the arts and introduced the curious art students to the history, styles, techniques, theories and practice of art. Even in the summer, when other schools were on vacation, Cass Tech art students were busy creating watercolors on the banks of the Detroit River, led by Mr. Brackett.

    I've tried to keep that wide-eyed feeling of discovery alive in my work. I can almost hear Mr. Johnson say, "That's a good start, now I want to see ten more!" In a nod to Mr. Johnson's credo, let's start with Crossing Oak Creek (above), followed by ten more related pieces.

   The red tulip at the top of the page is the adopted symbol for Parkinson's which I've had since 2015, and serves to unite all those involved in finding a cure for this disease. It's with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of my younger brother, Jon T Smathers of South Lyon, MI, whose portrait you will find below (appropriately, next to Gandalf). Jon was an Army veteran and retired engineer who was endlessly creative, cherished his family and friends and loved fixing things for everyone he knew. Personally, whenever we went to an art fair he would lean into me and say, "Your stuff is better than this," and this would make me move on nervously before anyone looked up. But this was Jon. He would always give you a boost If he knew you were working hard at something you loved doing. If you knew Jon, he probably fixed something in your house. He passed away Oct. 27th, 2024 at the age of 70. He leaves behind a loving family which includes his wife Becky, son Jeff (Maureen) and daughter Sarah (Brian), and grandchildren whom he adored. He will be solely missed. Hopefully they have enough projects in heaven for Jon to fix, and a field where his dog Max can run free.