Anatoly Smirnov was a highly acclaimed Soviet and Russian graphic artist. His artistic journey began in Gorky (currently Nizhny Novgorod), where he graduated with honors from the Gorky Art College in 1958. Subsequently, he pursued his studies at the prestigious Leningrad Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture named after Ilya Repin. There, he excelled in the Graphic Faculty under the guidance of Professor Alexey Pakhomov, specializing in printmaking.

Throughout his career, Smirnov showcased remarkable versatility in various artistic genres, including portraiture, landscape, still life, and thematic compositions. His artistic materials and techniques ranged from graphite and charcoal to ink, pen, etching, and color linocut. His works were exhibited in more than 200 art exhibitions, both in Russia and abroad, including notable exhibitions in Hamburg, Gdansk, Warsaw, and St. Petersburg.

Smirnov's artistic contributions extended beyond graphic art, as he also demonstrated his talent in book design and illustration. He created captivating illustrations for 19 books, including works by renowned authors such as Alexander Pushkin and Ivan Bunin. His illustrations for "Belkin's Stories" and "Eugene Onegin" are particularly noteworthy.

The artist embarked on numerous creative journeys across Russia and abroad, capturing the essence of different regions through his graphic works. Smirnov's artistic prowess also encompassed his love for his hometown, Leningrad (later known as St. Petersburg). He created an extensive collection of works dedicated to the city, including etchings and depictions of iconic landmarks.

Smirnov's talent as a portrait painter is evident in his sharp-featured portraits of contemporaries, which convey their unique personalities and characteristics. Anatoly Smirnov's artistic legacy continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts around the world.