Historical information

McDonald Smith is famous for paining in the tradition of tonal impressionism, with most of his works painted in oil. This influence of the European Impressionist art style is clearly seen in his artwork Flower Study. The notion of light, an impressionist theme, is depicted by the use of a tonal colour palette and varied brushstrokes. The depiction of a Japanese dragon vase hints at the art aesthetic of Japonisme in the European Impressionist movement, a possible nod of respect to the movement by McDonald Smith.

Physical description

A rectangular still life painting of a bunch of flowers in a vase painted in oil using shades of white, red, green, blue, and yellow.

Inscriptions & markings

Obverse:
P McDONALD SMITH (bottom right corner)