Although initially an abstract painter, self-taught Revel-Smith became more and more enamored with the French Impressionists, particularly Monet, and their concentration on capturing shifts in atmosphere through changes in light. As her painting assumed priority 20 years ago, Revel-Smith was working in an Impressionistic style but using a palette knife. Rediscovering the possibilities of the brush completed her shift to an entirely Impressionistic method and satisfied her use of color with complementary texture.
Working with acrylic, the artist explains, "I have to keep moving while I'm painting...if I sit down for a minute, I don't feel like I'm in control of the painting." The quick-drying medium suits the pace at which she prefers to work. Simplicity and spontaneity are the two qualities which best reflect the mood and force behind her paintings; however, her own energetic and optimistic character is infused in every canvas she creates.
After summering in northern Michigan for three decades, Revel-Smith settled there permanently in 1991 with her husband, Powell Smith who, as her manager, enables her the luxury of time to paint. Their home and studio is featured in Country Home magazine September/October 1994.
The artist has had numerous one-person shows, and is included in private and corporate collections across the country.
