Dianna Smith is a contemporary oil painter based in Tauranga, known for transforming everyday moments into vivid, contemplative works of art. Her practice centres on detailed, realistic scenes drawn from domestic life, objects, quiet pauses and the gentle rhythm of daily routines.

By pairing natural light and shadow with rich, vibrant colour, Dianna brings a heightened sense of realism to her paintings, turning the ordinary into something intimate and visually captivating.

“I love the slow, deliberate process of working with oil paint,” she says. “It allows me to reflect deeply, to be patient, and to truly observe every nuance of my subject. Painting at a larger scale than life intensifies the experience for me.”

Through her work, Dianna invites viewers into the small but meaningful moments she encounters, encouraging a sense of shared connection in the familiar details we often overlook, especially in a world filled with distraction.