Margaret’s inspiration to become an artist began during her early childhood while spending summers with her grandfather who reveled in charcoal, pastel, oil, and watercolor.  He taught her more than just how to paint; she learned that art can accentuate the extraordinary beauty that surrounds us.

During a four-year residency in Tokyo, she studied Botanical Watercolor as well as Japanese art (including Ikebana flower arranging, Japanese gardens, and Sumi-e ink painting.)  There Margaret began her serious study of watercolor, captivated by its freshness and luminosity. 

While working in the medium she is reminded that every painting, just like life, is a process which cannot be controlled.  It is a spontaneous expression where quiet beauty can be found in its imperfections.   Her mastery of watercolor through intuitive and dramatic color combinations, glazing and granulation clearly sets her apart as an artist and observer of everyday life.

Watercolor is considered by many to be the most difficult of all methods of painting.  The Chinese call this style of painting, “taming the wild horses.”   Margaret paints with grace defying the difficulty of watercolor.  The viewer is asked to look again, to linger a moment, and to explore the different colors and patterns that are deep inside the shadows and reflections of her paintings.  Watercolor has the ability to remind us all to see the beauty in the ordinary which is, in itself, quite extraordinary.

Margaret is inspired by Claude Monet and John Sargent.  She has had the opportunity to study with outstanding internationally known artists such as Cheng-Khee Chee, Linda Kemp, Alvaro Castagnet, and Brenda Swenson. 

Margaret J Smith, residing in Wyeth country, is an award-winning American watercolor artist and a member of the Philadelphia Water Color Society.  Her watercolors are in private and corporate collections internationally.  She is represented in galleries throughout the Tri-state area and participates in juried international shows.