Doug Smith

Born and raised in San Francisco, Doug Smith was fortunate to have talented, creative parents who recognized his own talent from an early age and encouraged him to pursue his art. His mother, herself an accomplished impressionist painter, exposed him to the wealth of San Franciscos art exhibitions as a youngster, introducing him to the masters in their regular visits to the citys outstanding museums. By age nine he sold his first oil painting.

Doug received his first formal artistic instruction at San Francisco City College as a fine art major. He then furthered his education at San Francisco Art Academy. At 19 he participated in his first group exhibition in the citys Artist Cooperative Gallery.

After service in the U.S. Army, Doug returned to San Francisco and joined a firm as a graphic designer. The company relocated to Southern California and he continued his training at the Art Center College and the California Art Institute.

While he excelled in a succession of designer and art director positions, earning several prestigious graphic arts awards over a long career, Doug continued to paint seriously. His work has found collectors throughout the country.

In recent years, he has been able to transition his involvement with graphic design and concentrate on his passion for painting. The strong composition, bold technique, textures and vibrant colors of his current contemporary landscape collection demonstrate a great respect for the traditions of Richard Diebenkorn and Wayne Thiebaud, among others.