Matt Smith, b. 1960, Kansas City, MO, (United States)

Matt Smith was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved at a young age with his family to Scottsdale, Arizona. During his grade-school years, the family lived for two years in Toulouse, France, and when he was in high school they spent a year in Geneva, Switzerland. His travels in these and various other countries, including Italy, Germany, Austria, and Spain, exposed him to the work of many of the great masters. This stimulated his interest in art and was a contributing factor in what was to become his lifelong commitment to painting.

As part of his ongoing studies, he frequently visits museums around the country and has assembled an extensive library of art books. He spends four to six months a year traveling. This connection to actual subjects allows Smith to paint landscapes from direct observation during all seasons, reinforcing both his plein-air and studio work. He is considered one of the United States’ premier plein-air painters.