From Lens to Line
Bringing Photography, Fine Art and Illustration Together
From the camera lens to the palette knife, and from observation to imagination, my latest exhibition celebrates the many ways we can tell a story through an image.
I'm delighted to share a closer look at From Lens to Line, my exhibition at East Kilbride Arts Centre, bringing together three important parts of my creative life: photography, fine art and illustration.
As an artist and photographer, I've always been fascinated by the way we see the world. Sometimes it's the light falling across a landscape, the character of a Glasgow street or the atmosphere of a distant coastline. At other times, inspiration takes a completely different direction, leading to bold colours, expressive brushwork, imaginative characters and the playful world of my Arttoons.
This exhibition brings those different approaches together under one roof.
From the Lens: Photography
Photography is often where a story begins. It allows me to capture a moment, explore a location and record the details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
My photographic work includes the architecture, streets and atmosphere of Glasgow, alongside images inspired by travel, landscapes and the world around us.
For me, photography isn't simply about recording what I see. It's about deciding what deserves our attention and finding a way to communicate that experience to someone else.
To the Line: Palette Knife Paintings
The main gallery showcases my fine art, including bold, expressive landscape and seascape paintings inspired by Scotland.
Working with a palette knife allows me to build texture, movement and colour, creating paintings that are as much about the feeling of a place as its physical appearance.
From dramatic coastlines to familiar Scottish scenery, these works reflect my love of the landscape and my approach to painting: big, bold and beautiful.
Rather than simply reproducing a photograph, I want each painting to have its own character, energy and interpretation.
Into the Imagination: Arttoons & Afterthoughts
The exhibition also celebrates my illustrated work through Arttoons & Afterthoughts.
This is where observation meets imagination, humour and storytelling. My Arttoons combine characters, ideas and visual surprises, creating images that invite viewers to look a little closer and perhaps see something they hadn't expected.
The Cafe Gallery features original illustrations alongside photographic highlights, offering a different perspective on my creative journey.
From fine art to cartoons and caricatures, my work continues to explore the possibilities of telling stories through images.
Art for All
One of the things I value most about being an artist and art tutor is the opportunity to share creativity with others.
I've always believed in Art for All: art should be accessible, enjoyable and welcoming, regardless of age, experience or ability.
From Lens to Line reflects that philosophy. You don't need to be an art expert to enjoy an exhibition. Sometimes all it takes is a picture that catches your eye, a familiar place that brings back a memory, or an illustration that makes you smile.
Visit From Lens to Line
The exhibition takes place at East Kilbride Arts Centre, bringing together photography, original illustrations and fine art in a celebration of creativity and visual storytelling.
Venue: East Kilbride Arts Centre, 51–53 Old Coach Road, East Kilbride, G74 4DU.
Dates: 7 October – 1 November 2026.
Admission: Free.
If you've already visited, thank you for taking the time to see my work. If you haven't yet had the opportunity, there's still time to explore the exhibition before it closes.
You can discover more of my work, including original paintings, prints, photography and illustrations, through my websites.
Arttoon: https://arttoon.co.uk
Neil G Smith Photography: https://neilgsmithart.co.uk
From lens to line, from observation to imagination, thank you for being part of the journey.
Arttoon – Tell a Story with an Image.
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