BEHIND THE ART

Meet Alisha Smith, Artist & Founder of The Colourist

I've always been fascinated by the extraordinary beauty found in ordinary things. The way evening sunlight illuminates a flower, the intricate shadows cast through glass, or a familiar scene along a Barbadian road. These often-overlooked moments are where much of my inspiration begins.

Hi, I'm Alisha Smith, a self-taught Barbadian artist and founder of The Colourist, a fine art brand dedicated to bringing colour, beauty, and joy into everyday spaces. My practice has evolved from photorealistic portraiture into expressive explorations of still life, landscapes, and the natural world, using heightened colour, dramatic lighting, and unexpected scale to offer fresh perspectives on familiar subjects.

PROJECT HISTORY

Over the years, I've been honoured to receive multiple NIFCA Gold Awards and win prizes in two editions of the prestigious annual Carmichael Prize Exhibition. My artistic journey has also presented opportunities to contribute to a diverse range of projects spanning fine art, illustration, and public art. Highlights include illustrating Why the Wood Dove Cannot Build a Proper Nest by Zoanne Evans, featured in Expo 2020 Dubai's global children's storybook compilation, and the cover of her book Tameisha's Adventure. Other notable projects include creating artwork for UNDP's 2022 Human Rights Day campaign, painting a large-scale portrait of celebrated Barbadian artist Ivan Payne commissioned by the National Cultural Foundation, and contributing to rehabilitative murals at the Harrison Point Isolation Facility. In April 2026, I joined three fellow female artists to host The Shape of Feeling, a group exhibition at the Gallery of Caribbean Art. These experiences have shown me how art can spark joy, preserve stories, celebrate identity, and bring people together.

MY CREATIONS AND WHO THEY ARE FOR

Today, through The Colourist, I create original paintings, commissioned pet portraits, and fine art prints for collectors, art lovers, and those seeking to make their spaces and special moments more meaningful. I believe the art we choose to surround ourselves with should do more than decorate. It should reflect who we are, evoke emotion, and become part of the stories we live and share. Whether it's a statement painting that brings personality to a home, a thoughtfully selected artwork that creates atmosphere in a hotel or professional space, or a bespoke portrait commemorating someone special, I enjoy creating pieces that hold personal significance and lasting value.

GALLERY REPRESENTED

My work is represented locally by galleries including the Gallery of Caribbean Art, The Grove Gallery, and Caribbean BrushStrokes, and is held in private collections in Barbados and internationally. I also welcome opportunities to collaborate with interior designers, hospitality brands, and businesses seeking distinctive artwork that brings character, warmth, and a memorable sense of place to their interiors.

CURRENT WORKS

My recent paintings reflect my fascination with light and the overlooked. White Rose captures a garden bloom at dusk, while Architecture of Wonder explores the interplay of light and shadow through a vintage kerosene lamp and patterned glass. Purple Paradise celebrates delicate flora and fauna on a grand scale, and The Garden, St. James reimagines a familiar Barbadian roadside scene featuring a towering casuarina tree and a yellow minibus bound for Bridgetown.

FUTURE GOALS

Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue developing my artistic voice through new collections, exhibitions, and collaborations, creating opportunities to share my work with wider audiences both regionally and internationally. Ultimately, whether through a personal commission or an expressive original, I hope my work encourages others to pause, see differently, and rediscover the wonder and joy woven into everyday life!