Portrait Of The Artist

"Smurtka" was born in the 1960's in the North East of England. The untouched coastal scenes and wild, untamed Durham Dales, The Greek Islands & her spiritual home, Austria, inspire her painting. She currently lives in London.

As a teenager she was influenced by the fashion designers of the day, and Liberty Patterns & the textiles of the Empire and Orient. The texture, harmony and bejewelled colours of their rich silks and brocades are reproduced in her abstracts, with a passionate "movement" reminiscent of the ocean.

"2NX", a cafe-bar on Ealing's Haven Green (0208 997 1222), are holding a semi-permanent exhibition of her work. Here, diners can enjoy the lively atmosphere, excellent food whilst appreciating the artwork. The atmosphere they can't buy, but they can take home a painting!

Throughout 2005 an exhibition of work for sale is being held at Butterwick Hospice, Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, with all proceeds being donated to the Hospice. During 2005 she is also donating 15% of all other sales to the Hospice for their tenth anniversary.

Completed pieces which are for sale and work belonging to the artist's family can be viewed in the "Current" section. Previous pieces and work owned by friends and the public can be viewed under “Archive”. If you see a painting which you like and would like a reproduction, a similar piece can be commissioned, however no two paintings are identical.

The paintings reflect a magical and sometimes mystical quality full of feelings of hope for the future, the beauty of the world around us and a wish to create a mood of harmony, beauty and serenity in her audience.