Let's see if I can give some insight of where I think Eddy was coming from or where his mind was during the last few years of his life. First, I need to let you know that the few hundred pieces of original art work I have came with not titles or descriptions. Although my brother and I were close I don't remember any discussion of why he drew what he drew. I do know most of the models he used that would include my self and my wife. Please forgive me for any injustice that I have done on any or all of the titles.

Eddy took art classes in high school and when he started drawing again in 1978-1979 he started with pencil drawings and then took some classes at a local community college and picked up charcoal drawing techniques.

His early pencil drawings were abstract and surreal which is where I believe his mind was and what he really enjoyed because it took him away from reality. I believe he would have stayed with the abstract and surreal but did not get any type of encouragement from his critiques. His critiques being family and friends without any understanding of that type of art work.

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So, from abstract and surreal to nudes. The nudes were more acceptable but nothing that most people would hang on their wall. Especially people from the Central California farming community. It was apparent Eddy enjoyed drawing the nudes because of the quantity. I think he was working on charcoal drawing techniques and working on flow and motion in his figures during this time. He drew quite a few gesture drawings and dancers and nudes with movement. He did sell some of the Russian dancer drawings but I don't think he cared about the money in selling his drawings rather the acceptance of them. He did sell some portraits but really did not pursue that path for very long.  

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Sometime in 1980 he left his wife and lived in an old Ford van. During this time he took up photography and worked with a photography lab in Southern California. He would overlay a combination of slides until he got what he wanted and then have them printed. This was back in the day before Photoshop and digital cameras. His photography took him back to the abstract and surreal world. Not only do I believe he went back to where he really wanted to be and his work was more acceptable by the people he worked with in the lab and by people in general in Southern California. He did have a promoter that was working on a one man show of his photography. Unfortunately he died before that happened. Also, it is unfortunate that all but a few pieces of his photography was destroyed.

Eddy died in that old Ford van in 1982 at a campground in Northern California of a prescription drug and alcohol overdose.

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 This is one of 6 photos that still remain.


I think Eddy could have become a great artist if only he was able to be among other artist and a artist community.

Gary Thomas Smith

I have struggled to find the right words to present to the public regarding my brother and his art. It's taken over 30 years to get to this stage due to not knowing the full history until recently. About a year and a half ago my father passed away. During the period he was hospitalized my older sister and I became very close and started talking about the past. It's amazing what can go on all around you that's not heard or seen. With a different perspective on the past I brought out my brother drawings for the first time in many years and I saw something in them that I had never seen before. Although my brother and I were close up to his death in 1982, I saw just how talented he was and I could see him in each drawing where he was allowed to escape. I saw the best of Eddy Howard Smith.

The past is the past and a lot of it will go to the grave. But, this part of the past, which I am proud to be a part of, hopefully will go on for years. I am sure he is keeping a eye on this with a smile on his face. Both of us are most appreciative each time someone visits his gallery and honored each time we become a part of your favorites gallery.

My hope is that you will find inspiration as I have with the art of Eddy Howard Smith.

Thank you
Gary Thomas Smith