Carmen Blanco Smith (January 1922- October 2022) was born in Switzerland, the daughter of a Cuban diplomat and his artist wife. She studied art and calligraphy with the nuns at the convent of the Sacred Heart in Havana, Cuba for six years. She attended San Alejandro Art Academy for three years.

Inspired by a study in color appreciation with the famed Jennett Lam, she began painting in a style that is colorful, incredibly detailed and fanciful. Her paintings often depict architectural elements found in the buildings of old Havana.

Her works were exhibited at The Winter Gallery, Bergdorf-Goodman NY, and galleries in Naples Florida.