About the Artist

Biography

Robert Maurice Smith is a painter and draftsman based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Formerly a construction worker and metal fabricator, Rob is currently a student at the Herron School of Art and Design pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Art in Painting and, prospectively, his Master of Fine Art in Painting.

Before returning to school full-time, Rob mentored in the centuries-old atelier style of art instruction under Kerry Holsapple of Atelier Indiana. This training and attending workshops taught by some of the most recognized contemporary masters such as Steven Assael and Robert Liberace has provided Rob with a solid foundation in traditional realist methodology.

Along with years of technical training, Rob also possesses a curious mind. He views the artist’s role in society as a philosopher and a translator/curator of the visual language. Often with the human figure as the center of focus, Rob integrates observational imagery with abstract symbols to generate deeper inquiries into the human condition. The interplay between realism and more conceptual motifs empowers the viewer to query further how much people (individuals or communities) are affected and shaped by forces outside our control that we can’t comprehend.

Rob regularly exhibits work in Indiana’s regional juried shows such as the Richmond Art Museum Annual Art Show and the Hoosier Salon. He maintains a studio at the Stutz Building in Indianapolis and is a member of the Stutz Artist Association.

Education and Training

2023- Present Bachelor of Fine Arts: Painting, Herron School of Art & Design,

Indiana University-Indianapolis. Indianapolis, IN. (Anticipated 2026)

2017- 2018 Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis Indiana

Structural Welding Technical Certificate

2015- Present Individualized Apprenticeship Training (Art Renewal Center accredited),

Atelier Indiana, New Castle IN 47362

Exhibitions

Juried Shows & Exhibitions

2024 100th Hoosier Salon Annual Show, Indianapolis, IN.
2024 Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, IN.
2024 Art for the Ages Community Art Show, Greenwood, IN.
2023 99th Hoosier Salon Annual Show, Indianapolis, IN.
2023 Art for the Ages Community Art Show, Greenwood, IN.
2022 124th Annual Exhibition, Richmond Museum of Art, Richmond, IN.
2022 Art for the Ages Community Art Show, Greenwood, IN.
2021 123rd Annual Exhibition, Richmond Museum of Art, Richmond, IN.
2020 122nd Annual Exhibition, Richmond Museum of Art, Richmond, IN.
2018 120th Annual Exhibition, Richmond Museum of Art, Richmond, IN.
2017 119th Annual Exhibition, Richmond Museum of Art, Richmond, IN.
2015 117th Annual Exhibition, Richmond Museum of Art, Richmond, IN.

Non-juried Shows & Exhibitions

2024 Penrod Societies’ Old Town Companies’ Magic in the Making @ The Stutz

Indianapolis, IN.

2023 Penrod Societies Annual Art Fair @ Newfields, Indianapolis, IN.
2023 Penrod Societies’ Old Town Companies’ Magic in the Making @ The Stutz

Indianapolis, IN.