A native Texan, John Holt Smith was born in Fort Worth in 1968. His passion for painting began at an early age, studying under the guidance of acclaimed painter Nancy Lamb at the age of four. From this beginning, John Holt realized the importance and benefits of a classical art education and has sought this training at every point of his career. He continued his studies at Fort Worth Country Day School in the visual arts program directed by Evelyn Seigel and later received his BA from the prestigious College of Creative Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara. In addition to his education in the United States, John Holt spent a year painting in Florence, Italy under some of the finest instructors in the art world. He then spent seven years establishing himself in the New York art scene and is currently represented by the De Chiara Gallery. In 1998 John Holt decided to return to Fort Worth to open his current studio. He continues to exhibit his work around the country.