Born in the village of Babino, Lukh district of the Ivanovo-Voznesensk industrial region. Honored artist of the RSFSR (1985). Member of the Union of artists of Russian Federation since 1957. Was raised in the orphanage. In 1945-1950 he studied at the Palekh art school. Teachers I. V. Markichev, N. M.Parilov. In 1950-1987, he worked at the Association of Palekh artists (1954 - Palekh art-production workshops). In 1971-1974 was a Director of the Palekh art-production workshops.
Momentalnoe and was engaged in theatrical-decorative painting (the play "Red devils" of the Moscow drama theater. N. In.Gogol (1960-1961)), restoration (Lacquer study of Monplaisir Palace in Petrodvorets under the leadership of N. M.Zinoviev (1955-1959)), registration of books, respicio furniture. Themes of works: folklore, literature, modern village. Participant of exhibitions since 1955. The Work Of V. N. Smirnova are in museums: gmpi, PIM, Ivanovo OC, GMAN, Russian Museum of A. S. Pushkin "Moika 12", Pgaas.
