RYAN A. SMITH (b. 1973) is an award winning oil painter specializing in western art. Ryan grew up and lived in Arizona for the majority of his life where he immersed himself in fly fishing, hiking and camping. His oil paintings aim to capture the natural beauty of the West, its people and its wildlife.

 

In 1995, Ryan received his BA in History from Arizona State University and received a JD in 1998 from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. After graduating from law school, Ryan dedicated his legal practice to working with Indian tribes throughout the West to secure their water rights.

 

Over the last several years, Ryan has turned his attention to oil painting where he focuses on the landscapes and people of the West. Ryan’s work has been juried in to the 2025 Oil Painters of America National Exhibition, CM Russell Art Auction and Mountain Oyster Club Western Art Show. In 2024, his painting, “Thomas”, was an award winner in the 2024 Oil Painters of America Fall Online Showcase, and his oil painting, “Jordyn’s Turn”, received an award in the June 2025 Monthly Plein Air Salon. He has also been featured by the Western Art Collector, the Virginia Sportsman, Blue Ridge Outdoors, MidCurrent, Simms and Allen Outside.

 

Ryan has two children in college and currently resides in Larkspur, Colorado with his wife, Kimberly. He is represented by Mountain Trails Galleries in Sedona, Arizona, and Gallery Summer in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.