Meet Smittybones | Portrait & Pop Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Smittybones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Smittybones, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up I was the kid that had every name of the colors in the crayon box memorized so art has always been a part of me. I would fill sketch books up with portraits and still lifes and sketches of movie posters I loved. It wasn’t until I started working on cruise ships selling artwork at the art auctions onboard that I really got into the business of fine art and kept thinking, “I could do this with my own art”. As artists we all have a story to tell, and that story is shaped by the the journey we have been on in life. After being involved in so many aspects of the art world, I finally decided this is what I want to pursue with own style.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artwork is all about confidence and intrigue and the personal journey we are all on in our lives. My signature crowns cover the eyes of many of my subjects and I attribute that as saying, “We may not know where we are headed in this life, but keep confident and strong and you will get to a positive space”. Many aspects of my life are woven into my portraiture. As a former model, I am always looking for a good pose to capture. Traveling the world on cruise ships and seeing different countries, cultures, and castles combined with my love of pop culture led me to creating an urban crown on the people I paint. I love the juxtaposition of creating a gorgeous, life-like portrait and then compounding it with some disarray and urban themes.

An artist’s journey is definitely not an easy one. I am very proud of what I have achieved so far and have been able to create a style that is unique and recognizable, and I look forward to continue to build the brand in the future. The highs and lows of an artist’s career can be volatile, but it definitely keeps it interesting and I think it is worth it to get the positive message behind my artwork out into the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in the heart of Hollywood, CA is certainly an interesting existence. Working on ships for a decade, I have many friends who live in other countries, and I always find it funny that most of them think Hollywood is this glamorous place. Don’t get many wrong, there is plenty of glam to be found, but when you see Tinker Bell on Hollywood Boulevard in stripper heels sitting on a bus bench smoking a cigarette…I think that sums up Hollywood.

When friends come in town, I love to take them to Musso & Franks because it is such an icon. A drive through Topanga Canyon to the PCH and up to Point Dume always adds a nice scenic variety. Vintage shopping on Melrose is a great pastime and then ending up at happy hour somewhere in Weho is usual occurrence as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has always been a huge support and I know my mother who is no longer with us is still guiding me.

Website: www.smittybones.com

Instagram: @the.smittybones

Other: TikTok: The_smittybones