Nightfall

Avril Thomson Smith is a self-taught artist born and raised in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Based in Lerwick, she paints from her home studio, drawing inspiration from the dramatic and ever-changing Shetland landscape that has surrounded her all her life.

Much of Avril’s artistic inspiration is rooted in her childhood memories—particularly the time spent on her grandmother’s croft on the south mainland of Shetland. Days spent climbing hills, building haystacks, casting peats, and digging up tatties helped foster a deep appreciation for the traditional Shetland way of life, as well as the raw beauty of its natural surroundings.

Her work often features Shetland croft houses, each one quaint and full of character—some still inhabited, others long abandoned, yet all nestled in breathtaking locations. Avril especially loves the summer months, when vibrant wildflowers blanket the island, bringing an explosion of colour to the landscape.

This vivid colour palette, combined with the expressive freedom of acrylic paint, has become central to Avril’s signature style. Her croft house paintings celebrate the charm and splendour of the Shetland Islands, capturing both the cultural heritage and the striking scenery of her homeland.