Slowing Down to See: Q+A with Dianna Smith
We welcome Tauranga-based painter Dianna Smith as the newest artist to join our gallery. Known for her intimate, detail-rich oil paintings, Dianna turns the quiet corners of domestic life into moments worth lingering over. Her work captures the tenderness of the everyday; the shift of morning light, the curve of a leaf, the colours that glow when no one is looking. Her paintings asks to slow down and reconnect with the small beauties threaded through their own routines.
As Dianna steps into our gallery community, we took the chance to get to know the person behind the canvases a little more. In this conversation, she shares the rhythms of her practice, the power of scale, and the joy she finds in the familiar objects and fleeting moments that often slip past unnoticed.
Meet the artist transforming the ordinary into something quietly extraordinary.
What is it about domestic life that continues to inspire you?
I’m a mother who works from home, domestic life is the environment I spend most of my time in. I truly love my domestic duties, but they can sometimes feel repetitive or hectic. That’s why I make a point to notice the little beauties throughout my day, the small moments that bring joy. They remind me of how powerful gratitude can be.
You often paint objects larger than life. What impact does scale have on how you want viewers to engage with the work?
I want viewers to experience the value of slowing down and really focusing on the subject. When you glance at something like a few imperfect mandarins on a table, they might just look fresh and simple. But when you pause and look closely, you notice the curled leaf, the way the orange colour glows through the bowl, and how they sit there proudly, almost inviting you to peel one open. By enlarging these small objects, I give them a moment to shine. The shift in scale encourages viewers to appreciate the quiet beauty they might otherwise overlook.
Marmalade Toast by Dianna Smith
Natural light and shadow are central to your practice, what interests you most about the way light transforms a scene?
Natural light, especially the morning sun spilling across the dining table is incredibly inviting to me. It has a way of softening a scene while also bringing out the most delicate details. Shadows then come in to heighten the realism, giving form and dimension.
What does a typical day in your studio look like? Are there routines or rituals that help you get into a focused, reflective mindset?
Yes, absolutely. I’m very mindful not to overcook my practice. I never want to force creativity or push myself into potential burnout. Because the level of detail in my paintings can be intense, I make a point to stand up and move around every hour. And no matter my mood, I try to step into the studio every day. Sometimes that means a long, focused painting session, other times it’s as simple as cleaning my brushes. Showing up and being present, even if I’m just sitting quietly with my work, always feels rewarding. Often it’s in those moments of stepping back that the real dopamine hit comes.
If you could capture one moment from daily life that you haven’t yet painted, what would it be?
I like not knowing this. I honestly have no idea what I’ll be painting next, and that uncertainty excites me. It could be a beautiful dinner shared with family, or a plant that’s just grown a new leaf. I let those moments reveal themselves, and I’m just as eager as anyone to see what will catch my eye next.
