Richard Lee Smith Jr. is a  Mark-expressionist painter known for his unique aesthetic blending of spiritual commentary and personal growth. Born in 1975 in Dallas, Texas, Richard's journey into the art world began at a young age. Fascinated with the creation process of making art and his passion only grew stronger as he matured.

Richard pursued his early formal education at the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI), a renowned independent art school where he obtained his BFA degree in 1997. Established as one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in the United States, SFAI has attracted numerous influential artists who have shaped the future of art, culture, and society. SFAI's list of notable alumni and faculty members include luminaries such as Ansel Adams, Richard Diebenkorn, Annie Leibovitz, and Mark Rothko. Richard's education gave him exceptional training in traditional Western art techniques and history, which has undoubtedly influenced his unique style and quality of his work.      

Currently residing in Taos, New Mexico, Richard has had one-man exhibitions in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Taos. His artwork delves into the untethered ethereality, a depiction of interstellar landscapes and veritas. His work is a reflection of spiritual growth and healing and the intricate shades of the soul's complexities. 

Growing up observing nature, learning from animals, and studying natures various elements. Gave Richard a unique perspective on the inter-linkages between human emotion and nature giving his artwork a distinct depth. He conveys his innermost understandings and emotions through an application of paint with energetic intention, layering shapes and marks, creating  beacons that reflects who he is and his reality.

Smiths' art echoes and reiterates that a painting can be viewed as a window into the soul, giving visibility to emotions and energies that may otherwise go unnoticed. His artwork is a fascinating amalgamation of beauty, nature, spirituality and human emotion making his distinct marks on the art world.