LaVanchy Smith Studio

Monica LaVanchy Smith was raised in Jackson, Missouri. Her family, established in the Midwest for several generations, had a profound effect on her and her artwork. Her purpose is to show the beauty of God’s creation, and to remind people of the faithfulness of God to the generations faithful to Him.

Although Monica verbalized the desire to be an artist in second grade, she did not become serious until high school. Through God’s providence, Monica was able to study in high school with professional portrait artist Cleda Curtis Neal. While under Miss Cleda’s instruction, Monica was introduced to painting the still life. Using the still life to study composition, light, and color, Monica began creating meaningful paintings using family antiques.

After high school Monica attended and graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a Bachelor of Science in visual arts with a concentration in commercial art. Realizing that she wanted more training in her field, she chose to remain at the college and graduated with her Masters of Fine Art degree in May of 2011.

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Monica now resides in St. Charles, Missouri, with her husband Aaron. She continues to paint and accept commissions.