Explore the Vibrant Figurative Portraits of Artist Audrey Smith

A colorful portrait of a woman displayed on a gallery wall, with additional small portrait below it, in a bright art gallery setting.

Audrey Smith is a Canadian contemporary figurative artist born in Québec with her studio practice now in Caledon, Ontario.

A stylized portrait of a young woman with blue skin and vivid hair, wearing a purple top, featuring abstract facial details and brush strokes. — The Landscape That is You, 12 x 12”, acrylic and charcoal on wood panel (source)

Smith’s paintings are recognized for chaotic line work and energetic, visceral brushstrokes.

A collage featuring portraits of Audrey Smith, an artist, with colorful and expressive brush strokes highlighting her work. The top section displays two larger portraits, while the bottom showcases three smaller compositions.

My work explores the essence of people, capturing crystal slivers of time. I build transparent layers of reality to create a visual, tangible history – Audrey Smith

Beside the White Forest, acrylic and charcoal on panel, 12″x12″ (source)

Smith exhibits frequently in Canada and internationally and her works are held in collections across North America and in Europe. She has been an award finalist in The Carrousel Du Louvre International Art Exhibition, Paris, and a finalist in the international “Figureworks” exhibition.

A colorful portrait of a woman with long hair, looking upwards, surrounded by soft gray tones. — Recollection, acrylic/charcoal on cradled birch panel, 30.5 x 30.5cm /12 x 12”

An expressive portrait of a woman with short brown hair and blue eyes, looking upwards. The painting features vibrant colors and abstract shapes in the background, highlighting her thoughtful expression. — Contemplations (source)

Audrey Smith website, here.

Her Instagram, here.

Image at top of post: Connections exhibition, installation view, Dignam Gallery, Toronto, February 2026, here

Discover more from Canadian Art Junkie

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

2 Comments

pauldaviescartoons says:

June 18, 2026 at 9:50 am

Not quite sure how brushstokes can be visceral? Great paintings though

Loading...

- J Walters says:
  
  June 18, 2026 at 9:42 pm
  
  Thanks for your comment . . . I appreciate every single one. I get the question. The first time I saw visceral and brushstrokes used together I thought it was an error. But, not being an art major, did some research. Widely used description.
  
  Usual example is Van Gogh (as in Vincent van Gogh’s “visceral” brushstrokes define his Post-Impressionist style, using thick, rhythmic mark-making to channel raw emotion and dynamic energy into his canvases. Rather than blending paint seamlessly, he applied unblended, tactile strokes that visually pulse with movement).
  
  Loading...