Doretta Frenna Smith

Doretta Frenna Smith (1924–2012) was an artist born in Trieste, Italy, known for her impressionist realism watercolors. She attended various institutions including Magistrale Institute, Technical Institute of Accounting, Commercial Institute of Comtometry, Berliz School of Languages, Enenkel School of Art and Design, and Popolare University. After marrying an American serviceman at the end of WWII in Trieste, she moved to the United States in 1948, settling in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

She paused her art career to raise eight children but resumed it in 1971, inspired by her son's graduation. She studied at institutions like St John Museum of Art and attended a seminar by Fredrick Taubes, which influenced her style. From 1973 to 1978, she taught art before focusing on painting full-time.

Smith's work included scenes from her Italian childhood (her "Italian Collection") in oils and later watercolors. She painted local North Carolina scenes and floral subjects, often with opera playing as inspiration. Her watercolors offered spiritual depth, leaving room for viewer imagination. Recognized with numerous awards and solo exhibitions, she had global collectors, including Italy, Germany, South America, China, and Russia.