James Andrew Smith began painting when he was 12 years old, studying with a respected Tulsa artist. The only child in an adult art class, Smith’s instinct for color, light and form were clearly evident, and they continue to be hallmarks of his work as a contemporary realist.  

He attended Booker T. Washington High School: a landmark program of school integration in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he continued to explore art. His art teacher was instrumental in providing him with the encouragement to pursue his creativity. During high school, James worked for Renberg’s, a Tulsa department store, creating hand-drawn fashion illustrations for their weekly newspaper advertisements.

After high school, he attended Kansas City Art Institute for a short time before returning to Oklahoma to complete a degree in graphic design. After 10 years as a successful designer, James returned to his childhood love of oil painting and formally began his art career in 2001.