Houghton Cranford Smith was born in New Jersey in 1887. The family later moved to Brooklyn, NY. Smith’s artistic pursuits began at an early age with the encouragement and support of his family. In 1908 he enrolled at the Cape Cod School of Art in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The influence of his Provincetown education is reflected in his Impressionist landscape created with bold brushstrokes and vibrant color combinations.

Bayview 1, c. 1908-16, illustrates a coastal scene with vibrant colors and thick brushstrokes indicative of his painting style during the years of residence and study in Provincetown.