Howard Everett Smith, painter, printmaker, and illustrator, was born in West Windham, New Hampshire on April 27, 1885 to Charles and Sarah Smith. His family moved to Boston in 1899 where he attended Boston Latin School before studying art under Edmund Tarbell at the Boston Museum School. His art education continued at the Art Students' League in New York and later with Howard Pyle in Wilmington, Delaware.

He taught at the Rhode Island School of Design for many years. Smith’s work was included in numerous exhibitions and claimed many awards. His early illustration work was featured in Harper's Monthly and Scribner's Magazine. In 1935, he visited Carmel, California and moved there in 1938. He served on the board of directors of the Carmel Art Association for many years.

Smith is considered an American impressionist who was known for his portraits and equine paintings. His interest in horses can be seen in his many lithographs of cowboys. Smith was elected an Associate in the National Academy of Design in 1921 and an Academician in 1969. He died in Monterey, California in October 9, 1970.