He also cites Andrei Rublev, Feofan Grek, Modigliani, and Rembrandt as major influences, as well as those who were celebrated masters of Slavic icon painting.

“Parsuna”, which is derived from the Latin persona, means 'mask' and the hybrid imagery; was first used in the 17th century, re-mains in play to this day in the art of Sergey Smirnov.

Smirnov designed and developed logos and graphics for a wide variety of Russian corporations, winning countless national and international awards for his work.

In 1997, Smirnov was honored as only the third living artist to have a personal exhibit in the Kremlin’s Manezh, which ranks as one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world.

Sergey Smirnov died suddenly of a heart attack on November 8, 2006, in Sausalito while coming to his solo exhibition in La Jolla.