At that time, the GSA was producing many of the best painters in the country and Smith, taught by Donaldson, Shanks and Robertson, was no exception. His work is inspired by his fascination with the Mediterranean and the Highlands of Scotland.

Best known for his sweeping yet subtle landscapes, their detail picked out delicately in slight, contrasting hues, Smith is unaware of how talented he is. He is highly regarded amongst his artist friends but overbearing self-promotion and relentless focus on his image as an artist does not interest him. Instead, he paints away in his Glasgow studio with dedication and modesty, totally absorbed in creating his next painting, and facing the challenges it brings with integrity and creativity.