Charles Smith maritime painter extraordinaire

Charles Smith (1913-2003) was a maritime painter who was a member of the Royal Society of Artists and The Wapping Group of Artists of whom he was president between 1987-1992. The group was formed in 1946 and continues to be one of the oldest working groups of artists in the country. Originally set up to illustrate London's vibrant docklands this has extended to include the length and breadth of the Thames and the land surrounding it. Further information about this group can be found on their website at:

 http://thewappinggroupofartists.co.uk/index.php

The paintings I have seen of Smith are almost exclusively of a maritime nature. He had a studio in Sussex and painted well into his 80's. This painting was completed in 1999 so was one of his later works. What we like so much about this painting is its impressionistic nature and yet it retains a sense of realism. This picture is a 'sea' of blue and though the water remains calm the viewer is drawn to the clouds as they move across the sky bringing drama to an otherwise tranquil scene.