Born in Baltimore, Smith was almost entirely a self-taught artist primarily known for his landscapes and illustrations. He had a multifaceted career as an engineer, artist, author, and orator. Following the Civil War, he worked as a naval engineer, but by 1880, turned to painting full time. He was especially known for his charcoal and watercolors which often appeared in his travel books. He often painted en plein air and exhibited at the major east coast venues including the National Academy of Design, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Pennsylvania Academy.
