Owen Smith uses rich color and bold figure compositions in a style reminiscent of the Social Realist and WPA painters of the Great Depression. He’s clearly influenced by Diego Rivera, the sensationalist imagery of pulp magazines, and old lurid dime-store paperback illustrations of the 1940’s and 50’s. "I like art that focuses on the plight of the everyman. Film noir is like that. It's about slightly loser guys, it's not about kings. If there is a guy in power, it's a small domain. I find the psychology between people interesting."