A New England native now based in Richmond, Paula Goshgarian Smith has always been drawn to creativity. However, her professional journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, leading to a fulfilling career that spanned over 30 years. Alongside her work in healthcare, she also pursued athletics, competing as an amateur cyclist for many years. Despite these commitments, her passion for art remained constant. She occasionally took painting classes, first exploring acrylics before transitioning to oils. It wasn’t until her retirement a few years ago that she fully dedicated herself to painting, embracing it as her primary focus. As both a nature and animal advocate, she enjoys depicting wildlife in their natural habitats, while also finding inspiration in architecture and urban landscapes. A key element in her work is capturing the nuances of light and the beauty it reveals. Her style, described as realistic yet expressive, has been featured in several regional juried exhibitions.