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BIO
My childhood home was sometimes referred to as, "The Smith Menagerie." That's because there were as many animals running around as there were people! Dogs, cats, bunnies, hampsters, parakeets, snakes, and a mean ole Shetland Pony. Playing outdoors was a requirement, not an option. In the summer, my brothers and I were always outside; we went out and played in the rain - getting muddy dirty; or we would ride our bikes as far as we dared to - and beyond - just exploring a wide open countryside. What fun we had! Loving animals and nature came easy with so much exposure to both.
As a kid, I was always drawing something, animals, trees, our "menagerie", or whatever I saw. In college, I studied commercial art and data processing and I worked in both fields. Painting, however, is my passion and nature, wildlife and horses are my favorite subjects. I attended wildlife art seminars in Jackson, Wyoming with instructors, Terry Isaac and Rod Frederick, and in Bozeman, Montana with instructors, John Seerey-Lester and the late Paco Young to gain increased knowledge and skills as a wildlife artist.
I have traveled a great deal across the United States since I was a child. I still love to travel and do it as often as I can and my sketchbook and camera are always with me. If I had to name just one place or area that is my favorite, I would be hard pressed to do so. Each has it own unique beauty. We don't own these beautiful places or the creatures that inhabit them - they have been entrusted to us by God to take care of, protect, and preserve for generations to come. If we destroy them, they will be gone to future generations forever.
I am a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation, and an Associate Member of American Plains Artists, Oil Painters of America, and National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. Through my art, educational and other supportive activities, I help promote habitat conservation and wildlife protection.