Born in the city of Yuzha in the Ivanovo region. Member of the Union of artists of Russian Federation since 1982. In 1968-1975 years I studied at the Palekh art school. Teacher - B. M. Nemtinov. In 1978-1991, he worked at the Palekh art-production workshops (1989 - creative-production Union of artists of Russia "Palekh Partnership"). Since 1991 Director of the Farm "Palekh".
Was engaged in monumental painting (the Palace of pioneers in the city of Belovo of the Kemerovo region (1979-1984)). Themes of works: folklore, literature, genre scenes. Participant of exhibitions since 1979. The work of V. I. Smirnov are in museums: gmpi, Umgeni, Ivanovo OC, Pgaas, HF Russia.