Join the Collector’s List
Belief
My name is Monica Smart—artist, nature lover, and lifelong creator. My work is rooted in the idea that art can help us slow down and reconnect—with ourselves, with each other, and with the world around us. I believe that nature holds deep emotional power, and my mission is to share that beauty in a way that sparks emotion, curiosity, and inspiration. For me, art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about forging a meaningful connection.
Background
I grew up in the U.S., where art was always a quiet constant in my life. From tracing cartoons as a child to experimenting with colors and textures in my school years, it was the thing I always came back to. It wasn’t until university—when I discovered the freedom of painting—that I realized just how much art meant to me. Inspired by my grandmother’s watercolor work, I took a painting class and found a creative language that felt completely my own.
Beginning
Life took me in many directions—through different jobs, life challenges, and personal growth—but art always remained my anchor. In the hardest moments, including the loss of my sister and the bullying I endured as a child, painting helped me process and heal. It became my way of reclaiming joy, presence, and identity.
Breakthrough
Moving to Manchester, UK marked a turning point. I found myself in a city rich in creativity and community, and I knew it was time to commit fully to the work that’s always called to me. Here, I’m immersing myself in the local art scene, building my practice, and creating from a place of honesty and bold self-expression.
Present
Today, I paint vibrant, layered works inspired by the natural world—its movement, color, and raw energy. I want my art to feel like an invitation: to pause, to feel, and to wonder. Whether it’s a statement piece for a home or a quiet moment of reflection, my goal is to help others feel more connected to nature—and to themselves. Art isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am.