Louisiana sporting artist Brett Smith received his early training from his grandfather, who took him fishing and camping, and his father, an art director who taught him to rise to the top by getting good at one thing. Smith spent time as an illustrator before devoting himself to fine art and the outdoors.

Smith's paints nostalgic outdoor themes. His work, which he says mostly comes from his imagination, tends to be scenes from the 1920's western landscape. He likes to keep his figures somewhat anonymous so that the viewer can imagine himself in the picture. Smith paints both broad landscapes and up-close pieces.

While most of his work is done in oil Smith also likes to use watercolors to capture hi...