Artist’s Biography

Abstract association, recognizable form, and two-dimensional flat shapes and color with outline characterize the paintings of Francis X. Smith. Smith’s style is contemporary and highly individual. He utilizes both geometric and free-form shapes, often combining both in a single work.

Signature Artist Status*

  • Baltimore Watercolor Society (BWS)
  • Pennsylvania Water Color Society (PWS)
  • Alabama Watercolor Society (AWS)

*Signature status is awarded based on acceptance to 3 or more international shows within a 10-year period.


Included in Major Exhibitions

  • Watercolor Society of Alabama, National Juried Exhibition (2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017)
  • Philadelphia Water Color Society, Annual Juried Exhibition (2013)
  • American Water Color Society, Annual Juried Exhibition (2013)
  • Baltimore Water Color Society, Annual Juried Exhibition (2013)
  • Pennsylvania Water Color Society, Annual Juried Exhibition (2009, 2010 and 2011)
  • Alabama Water Color Society, National Juried Exhibition (2011, 2012 and 2013)
  • Ellarslie Open 27th, 28th and 29th, Annual Juried Exhibition (2009, 2010 and 2011)
  • Red River North Dakota Water Color Society, National Juried Exhibition (2011)
  • Aquarius National Juried Exhibition (2010)
  • Northeast Watercolor Society, 34th Annual International Juried Exhibition (2010, 2011 and 2012)
  • West Windsor Arts Council, Juried Exhibition (2010)
  • National Watercolor Society, 85th Annual Exhibition (2005)
  • Woodmere Art Museum Member Exhibition
  • Bianco Gallery, Juried Exhibition, Bucks County, PA
  • Grail Gallery Exhibition
  • Marymount College, Union Carbide Jured Exhibition, New York
  • Hussian School of Art Facility Exhibition
  • Palm Beach Exhibition

Solo Exhibitions

  • Two solo exhibitions in 1990s (self-promoted)

Awards Received

  • Ellarsie Open 27th and 28th Annual Jured Exhibitions
    • Farnsworth Gallery Award (2009)
    • Best in Show for Digital Art (2009, 2010 and 2011)
  • Marymount College, Union Carbide (Blue and Red Ribbons)
  • Palm Beach Exhibition (Red Ribbon)
  • American Corporate Identity 6. Gold Award of Excellence for Logo Design
  • Indy Award of Merit for Newsletter Design
  • Simpson Award of Excellence for Design
  • Strathmore Graphics Gallery Silver Award of Excellence for Design and Paper
  • Neo Gold and Silver Awards of Excellence for Design

Schools Attended

  • Attended, Philadelphia College of Art (formerly Industrial School of Art, Philadelphia Museum School; now University of the Arts), Philadelphia PA, Illustration Major
  • University of the Arts, Philadelphia PA, Computer Graphics: Illustrator, Photo Shop, Quark

Teaching Positions

  • Full-time Positions
    • Instructor in Art, Holy Family College (now Holy Family University), Philadelphia PA (1968-1984)
  • Part-time Positions 
    • Instructor in Art, LaSalle University, Philadelphia PA
    • Instructor in Art, Hussian School of Art, Philadelphia PA
    • Instructor in Art, St. Charles Seminary, Philadelphia PA
    • Instructor in Art, Holy Child Academy, Rosemount PA