Dear Art Lovers,

Now that Summer has arrived with a hot intensity, it's the perfect time to seek refuge by immersing yourself in the cool, inviting and liquid reflections of a Ford Smith painting. As promised, Ford has been at his easel focusing on those chimerical, abstracted waters that gained him international recognition. In these new works, we're seeing tremendous attention to detail - so much that it is impossible to tear your eyes away from the painting. You think you've "seen" it in it's entirety, then you you notice some new element or component that resonates with it's own character. For example, "Heart's Content" (a larger image is located under "original paintings") was aptly named once you take a closer look and see that Ford has woven several clandestine heart shapes through the mosaic plumage of the leaves. I wonder where he got that inspiration? Hmmm...

"Heart's Content" by Ford Smith Original painting in acrylics 36"x36"

Our first-ever, live auction hosted on June 4th was a smash, to put it mildly. You cannot imagine how the gallery transformed into such a spectacular dining and bidding venue. The 50 attendees were among our most premier collectors, and they did a fine job of acquiring over 28 Ford Smith original paintings and 5 limited editions to add to their Ford Smith collections. Their competitive spirits were high! It was a rare night likely not to be repeated, but we are delighted to have had such a great experience on this maiden voyage. Paintings from our personal collection, storage, rare series and even a couple that were right from the easel were offered and acquired at the auction. We'll have Santa Fe's inventory returned at the close of our lease, so the timing was fortuitous. It is vitally important for artists and galleries to think beyond the ordinary while battling out this economic recession, and this was a win-win for everyone. The auction was one of the most lively and entertaining nights our gallery has ever seen. Happy collectors and happy gallery. We consider ourselves fortunate to have such dedicated and loyal patrons - not to mention one of the world's most talented and inspired artist.

Soon you can begin looking for Ford in national art and shelter magazines, as we'll be returning to our regular print media program to expose new audiences to his radiantly serene landscapes. I'll post the new ads to our website and which magazines you'll find them as soon as we complete negotiations with the publications. We're very excited about the new opportunities this will represent.

"Red Winter" by Bien Irizarry

The Ford Smith Gallery in Roswell has a couple of highly anticipated events coming up! First, our annual "Summer Rejuvenation" is in it's 5th year and will be hosted on July 9th, so that's right around the corner. It's one of our most festive exhibits and coolest parties of the year, featuring Ford's hottest new works, Ford in attendance, homemade sangria and a variety of hors d'oeuvres. You'll see everyone there, and won't want to miss it!

We are more than a little excited about what we have coming up on August 6th with a new show featuring the fascinating and magnificent sculpture from Santa Fe's foremost sculptor, Bien Irizarry. Ford and I were fortunate to represent him in our Santa Fe Ford Smith Gallery, and we're now bringing him here for this one-man show. His subject matter remains simple yet powerful: branches, clouds, stones... even a bird. Clear acrylics are a favorite medium and are the primary element in his work. He fascinates his viewers by the effects of light, the control of gravity, easy carving, and assembling in a modernistic manner. The wood then lends the distinct warmth. Natural stones and rocks provide weight and earthy color. They look perfect with Ford's landscapes, evidenced by the fact that Ford and I are ardent fans and collectors of his work. Attendance to this show will be limited, so be sure to put your name on the list for reservation soon!

"Clear Poplars" by Bien Irizarry

Speaking of Santa Fe, July will be our gallery's last month there. We will not be renewing our lease, but we're currently in negotiations with other galleries in the city to decide who will represent him there. As soon as we make that decision final, we'll announce. Ford sold his first paintings in Santa Fe galleries, and will continue to do so for many years to come. The decision to leave now was a difficult one. Santa Fe is like many tourist towns these days, and has been injured by the recession, so it made sense from that perspective. Moreover, as Ford turns 60 this year, he wants to do more traveling. The demands of owning another retail gallery made that difficult unless it was tied to business, so we're glad we had our time there, and now we're glad to go. We'll still be visiting often! Santa Fe is a magnificent destination for arts, scenery, food and culture and should be on everyone's list for vacation destinations.

Be sure to visit our "limited editions" and see the 6 new releases - each with distinctive characters, palettes and auras. They represent some of Ford's finest and most desired works from 2009/2010 and are just limited to 100. We still have a few Artist Proofs available in each edition with Ford's own hand doing the embellishment, so they are of particular value and sentiment.

We hope that your summer finds you cool, content and enjoying your new Ford Smith painting amidst family and friends! As always, we sincerely appreciate your dedicated enthusiasm, patronage and unerring eyes for the fine art of Ford Smith.

Sincerely,

Cristi Smith