George Smith studied in London at the Royal Academy and with Charles West Cope (1811-1890). In 1844 Smith assisted Cope with the frescoes in the English House of Parliament in London. He was a protégé of Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert.

During his active life he exhibited 79 works at the Royal Academy, 26 at the British Institute and 15 at the Society of British Artists. His paintings are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, among others.