Farewell to Jeffrey Smart

There is a school of thought that argues this painting produced by Jeffrey Smart in 1972 is an 'up yours' to the abstract expressionists and I'm not about to argue.  He appears to be saying, "hey, I can paint abstract too but look, I can also paint people, landscape. corrugated iron etc."

Painted Factory, Tuscany                              Jeffrey Smart

To understand Jeffrey Smart it sometimes helps to remember that he was almost as much a showman as a painter.  He knew how to play to an audience.  It also helps to appreciate that his paintings work on several levels - there is certainly a darkness in many of his paintings such as those brooding skies, but there is humour as well.  Not to mention wonderful draftsmanship and the steadiest hand imaginable.  We will miss him.