A Legacy in Lines

Fort Worth native and accomplished artist John Holt Smith ’87 made a significant contribution to the new Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building with two original paintings that encapsulate the School's environment and history.

Fort Worth native and accomplished artist John Holt Smith ’87 made a significant contribution to the new Annie Richardson Bass Lower School building with two original paintings that encapsulate the School's environment and history.

Smith's artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by the School and influential mentors, most notably Art Teachers Evelyn Siegel H’99 and Lelia Koeppe. Siegel, in particular, instilled in Smith a relentless curiosity and the tools to continually evolve as an artist. “A really good teacher instructs and conveys information and inspires curiosity,” Smith said. “A great teacher gives you the tools and insights to continue your exploration and learning even when they are no longer physically there for you.

“Evelyn helped her students to figure out that they could always grow as an artist. There was always something to learn and build upon,” Smith continued. “She would give you praise for the piece, but then ask you, ‘What else can we do here?’ ‘How can you make it better next time?’ I carry this with me.”

The opportunity to contribute to the new Lower School arose when Head of School Eric Lombardi asked Smith to walk the new building with him. Lombardi emphasized the architectural intent to harmonize indoor and outdoor spaces, highlighting features like the integration of exterior wood into the interior and expansive glass windows that invite natural light and views of the outdoors. They discussed the design elements and the desired impact of the artworks, focusing on a continuation of the theme of nature.

The live oak trees on campus became a focal point for Smith. He was inspired by the trees and their significance, which led to Smith’s inspiration to create a painting that captures the vibrant greens of the oak and the blues of the sky and water, reflecting the natural beauty surrounding the School. The second artwork draws from FWCD’s history. Smith incorporated elements from a beloved mosaic that adorned the old Lower School building.

Smith's creative process is meticulous and instinctual. He begins by selecting photographs that resonate with the desired theme, focusing on achieving a harmonious balance of colors. For these large-scale paintings, each measuring 6 feet by 8 feet, Smith chose linen canvases to accommodate the extensive vertical lines characteristic of his style.

Using a sliding angle iron as a guide to paint straight lines, each spanning the entire width of the canvas, Smith spent hundreds of hours in front of the canvas creating in his Fort Worth studio. Each painting comprises between 1,000 to 1,200 individual lines, each line receiving eight to nine coats of paint to capture the right color. This layering technique imparts a vibrant intensity to the colors, creating a dynamic visual experience.

The two pieces were installed on January 13, 2025, for the building's dedication. One piece is prominently displayed outside the classroom of his wife, First Grade Teacher Sarah Akhtar Smith ’91.

Reflecting on his journey, Smith expresses deep gratitude for the education and support he received at FWCD. Having his art now grace the halls of the school that played a pivotal role in his development is an honor and a testament to the enduring impact of dedicated educators and a supportive community.