Born in the village of Morsang-LaDuke of Ingemisco district of Voronezh region. A member of the artists Union of the RSFSR since 1971. In 1952-1957 he studied at the Palekh art school. Teachers - A. V. Borunov, D. N. Butorin, I. P. Vakurov. In 1963-1989 he worked at the Palekh art-production workshops. Died 31 Jul 1996, buried in Palekh.
Together with the artist N. L.Hattenberger, engaged in a miniature in the art of jewellery. Designed books. In 1991-1992, he participated in the creation of the iconostasis of the Church of Elijah the Prophet in Palekh. Themes of works: folklore, history, literature, revolutionary, genre scenes. Participant of exhibitions since 1964. Works by R. A. Smirnova are in museums: gmpi, timing, Umgeni, Ivanovo OC, DEM, HF Russia.
