James F. Smith finding himself unemployed and bored in 1968, Smith began painting, utilizing how-to books. He has since studied with Jim Westall, E. John Robinson, Harold Walkup, Katherine Friday and Florence Thurman. He began showing and demonstrating his work at the Washington County Fair in 1968. Had been teaching at PCC in adult classes. Has also exhibited at numerous galleries on the coast and in the Portland area.

Smith is currently showing his work at the Primary Elements Gallery in Cannon Beach at the coast and the Sequoia Gallery in Hillsboro Oregon. Smith is the owner of the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/miniatureart 270 members in the group from all around the world.

A second generation artist, Smith owned and operated the Paint 'N Place in Hillsboro with his mother, the late Stella Dralle. Disabled twice by brain surgeries in 1976 and again in 1992, Smith firmly believes success in art is a matter of tenacity rather than purely talent. He has taught art classes locally and at the coast for 40 years.