Lucas Smith: Building Art with Purpose and Community

In this inspiring interview, abstract painter Lucas Smith shares his creative journey from childhood influences to building a professional career and fostering community through Art Connect. He talks about early mentors, preparing for a successful first solo show, and the discipline required to stay consistent as an artist. Lucas also emphasizes how art can be both healing and professional when treated with purpose.

Q: Can you talk to me a little bit about when your creative journey began?

My creative journey began in childhood. I was nurtured by early mentors who recognized my natural artistic abilities and encouraged me to keep exploring and growing. I have always been surrounded by creative influences. My father was a carpenter, my brother is a graphic artist, so he focused on the technical side, but I became the painter in the family. My grandmother is an oil painter, and my mom bought me a wooden travel easel when I was in middle school. I would spend summers with my grandmother who had a full easel set up in her bedroom with all of her oil paints laid out. She let me paint on little pieces of paper, and from there I naturally gravitated toward painting. As I got older, I kept finding inspiration and wanting to learn more.

Q: Can you take me back to your first solo exhibit? I know you sold over 21 pieces in the first two weeks, which is so impressive. What did the preparation look like for you?

The preparation was months long. I focused on creating a cohesive body of art, refining my presentation, and building anticipation through both personal outreach and social media marketing. I also set a budget for a marketing campaign, handed out flyers in busy areas around San Diego, and contacted local newspapers. One of my paintings ended up featured in the Union Tribune, a buyer was looking at it and that's what drew him in. Social media was also an important part of the promotion.

Q: How long does it usually take you to complete a piece?

Normally, six to eight weeks. I work in layers and use glazing to create depth and texture, so I need time to let each stage breathe. Larger works can take up to 12 weeks. I make sure to step back often, give the painting space, and come back with a refreshed mind.

Q: Since you are an abstract artist, how do commissions work? Do clients have creative input?

Yes, absolutely. I start by asking a series of questions to understand what inspires them, what colors they are drawn to, or what emotion they want the painting to have. They might reference a photo or a previous painting of mine. Once we establish the direction, I allocate six to eight weeks to complete the piece. Clients pay a percentage up front and get two rounds of revisions. They receive progress photos so they can be part of the process. For example, this current piece is based on another that sold, but the client wanted more blue incorporated. It will be unique to them, but still true to my style.

Q: You mentioned that art is very healing and transformative for you. How do you channel that into your work?

I allow emotion to guide my palette and composition. I use layers and textures to reflect the energy of a moment or a memory, without needing literal representation.

Q: Your work is in collections across the U.S. How were you able to expand your reach?

I invested in a website where I can sell directly, and I include free shipping within the price. I learned how to professionally package artwork and built relationships with businesses that handle large-scale shipping. That training has paid off, and it excites me to see my work reach new places.

Q: Your website is very polished. Do you work with someone on the visuals?

Yes. I maintain my website, but I worked with a mentor and friend, Brenda York, and her son. They run a business called Smart Artworks for Artists. They helped me build the website and also taught me how to maintain it. It was a thrill to work with them.

Q: What do you think are the three most important things needed to be a successful artist?

Stay consistent, stay authentic, and be willing to take feedback.

Q: How do you manage your time and energy with creating so much work?

For me, it comes down to time blocking studio hours. I treat studio time as non-negotiable. Structuring my calendar this way keeps me accountable and allows me to maintain a healthy balance.

Q: Do you have tips for staying consistent?

Find when you are most creative and schedule around that. Some people work best in the morning, others late at night. It is about enjoying the process while still finishing the work. Set achievable goals, especially when paintings involve multiple steps or layers.

Q: Do you work on multiple paintings at once or focus on one at a time?

I work on multiple pieces at once. It helps me step back, let a painting breathe, and then return with fresh eyes. I can also explore different angles, color palettes, or compositions in the meantime.

Q: You launched Art Connect. Can you share more about that?

Art Connect was born out of a desire to foster community and share knowledge. I started a public group on Facebook where artists support and encourage each other, share resources, and grow collectively. Right now, we have over 100 members, including professional artists and local creatives. People share regional, national, and international calls for entry, and the group continues to grow. My hope is that it will become an even larger platform for collaboration and support.

Q: When did you realize art was more than a hobby for you?

I knew when I began structuring my life around it. I started entering shows, seeking mentorships, and building a routine that felt professional and purposeful. That is when it became clear this was more than a hobby.

Q: Do you have a message for someone who wants to pursue art as a career?

Take yourself seriously. Invest in your craft. Surround yourself with mentors and a supportive community. Remember that persistence often matters more than talent alone.

🔑 Key Takeaways from Lucas Smith

The significance of early mentorship and environment
Lucas grew up surrounded by creativity, from his grandmother’s oil painting to his father’s carpentry, highlighting how early exposure and encouragement can shape lifelong passions and skills. Encouraging creativity early helps artists build confidence and begin to see themselves as creators. 

Preparation and outreach are as important as the art itself
The preparation for his first solo exhibition involved months of creating a cohesive body of work and a multi-channel marketing campaign including social media, flyers in high-traffic areas, and local press outreach. This demonstrates that artistic talent alone isn’t enough; success often requires business acumen and proactive promotion to reach potential buyers.

Consistency and time management keep creativity sustainable
Lucas stresses the importance of treating studio hours as non-negotiable. By time blocking and setting achievable goals, he ensures his work continues to move forward without burnout. Creative consistency is about discipline as much as inspiration.

Community builds strength and opportunity
Through Art Connect, Lucas created a space for artists to support one another, share resources, and collaborate. His experience highlights how community not only offers encouragement but also opens doors to new opportunities and growth.

Persistence outweighs talent
While skill is important, Lucas believes that persistence matters even more. Showing up consistently, staying authentic, and taking feedback are what sustain a career in art.

Art becomes more than a hobby when you structure your life around it
Lucas realized art was his calling when he built routines, sought mentorship, and invested in his professional development. Treating art as a serious commitment is the turning point from hobbyist to professional.

📢 Check Out the Full Interview

Watch the full interview with Lucas Smith below or youtube @ainahcommunity 

Explore Lucas's work: lucassmithfineart.com