The paintings by Dennis Smith will be one of his greatest lasting legacies. Anyone who has seen Dennis Smith’s paintings understands what a strong medium these are for him to use to express himself, and to help him explain and interpret the world around us. His paintings are rich with symbolism and metaphors. He has an ability to describe his subject with vividness using the shapes and colors he chooses.  His paintings are often the celebrations and explorations of the freedoms of childhood and adolescence.  Images commemorating happiness and goodness are contrasted with conflict and a feeling of being unsure.  Divergent themes intermingle and seek for harmony.  Colors of contradictory value and depth encompass themes that resemble the simple, but oh so complicated feeling of childhood.  Smith is able to show this search for balance between safety and freedom, shelter and protection, autonomy and independence, in addition to well-being and choice.