Mary Sparrow Smith was born in North Carolina. As a young child, much of her time was spent drawing and painting people and animals. A graduate of St. Mary's College in Raleigh, NC and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she began her career in art as a graphic artist and illustrator for Spectator Magazine, an arts an entertainment publication in Raleigh. She ventured out on her own, specializing in decorative painting, trompe l'oeil, murals and later, portraits. With the encouragement and support of her husband, Mary finally pursued a career as a professional portrait artist. In late 2001, she extended her advertising through her website. Over the years, her recognition has grown, her portraits hang in private collections through out the United States and her pet paintings are collected worldwide. Mary resides in Shelby, North Carolina with her husband and three children. Mary's easy going personality and willingness to please is what keeps her clients coming back again and again. She prides herself in making sure her clients are happy. "If my clients are happy, I am happy." She believes in up front pricing and completing a job when and only when the client is completely satisfied.

© Mary Smith 2005
All artwork and illustrations displayed on the Mary Smith website may not be copied
or otherwise reproduced without the express written permission of Mary Smith.