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Carnell Smith (1950-2015)
Carnell Smith, born in 1950 in Buckley, West Virginia, faced a challenging childhood marked by family tragedy. After his father was imprisoned, Smith and his siblings moved to Fort Pierce, Florida, to live with their older sister Christine. It was in Fort Pierce that Smith's artistic journey began. He attended Lincoln Park Academy, where his art teacher, Zanobia Jefferson, introduced him to painting. This early exposure to art was further nurtured when his sister Dorothea married Alfred Hair, a founding member of the Florida Highwaymen. Hair's mentorship and the vibrant artistic community in Fort Pierce inspired Smith to pursue painting seriously.
Smith initially supported Hair by making frames and assisting with background and sky painting.
His hard work and dedication paid off, and he soon began creating his own paintings. Smith's work is characterized by its optimistic and vibrant depictions of Florida's landscapes, featuring Poinciana and palm trees. His ability to capture the beauty of the Sunshine State with a positive outlook made his paintings highly sought after. Despite the challenges he faced, Smith's talent and perseverance allowed him to make a living from his art, a testament to his resilience and skill.
In the late 1990s, as the Highwaymen gained renewed recognition, Smith's contributions to the movement were celebrated. He was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004, solidifying his place among the greats of Florida's art history. Smith continued to paint and share his love for Florida's natural beauty until his death in 2015. His legacy lives on through his vibrant and uplifting artwork, which continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts around the world.