ABOUT CHRIS
 

A seventh generation Texan and current resident himself, the artist, Christopher Alan Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in 1995. Chris began creating the idea for the Battlefield Texas Series in 1999, at which time he began researching Texas’ historical events. He started his first map illustration in Jan. 2005 (Battlefield Texas: Republic of Texas map) and finished it in Nov. of 2006 (almost two years).

Chris creates his detailed map illustrations by using pen and ink with acrylic paints on engraved board. Between his extensive research and tedious illustrative process, Chris takes months to create most of his maps. “It’s been theraputic to create historical maps using technical pens and paint, I was completely burned out creating digital graphics on the computer!”

After 14 years of working as a graphic designer in the publishing/advertising world, Chris decided to create his maps and sell them full-time. “No More Cubicles!!!” Chris also served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1992–2000 as an Ammunition Specialist and Diesel Mechanic.  

Chris’ maps can be seen all over the nation at juried fine art shows and in the following stores: Texas Highways, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, Texas Ranger Museum, TrulyTexas.com, and TexasCrazy.com. Smith has been featured in Texas Monthly, Austin American Statesman, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and aired on Texas Country Reporter in 2010. Chris resides in Liberty Hill, Texas with his wife/manager Wendy and two kids Hannah and Davis.