**early life and career** william ronald smith, known professionally as william ronald, was a pivotal figure in the development of canadian abstract art. born on august 13, 1926, in canada, smith's artistic journey was marked by innovation and a deep passion for the abstract expressionist movement. **the founding of painters eleven** in 1953, smith co-founded painters eleven, a group that would significantly influence the canadian art scene. this collective's emphasis on abstract art not only reflected the post-war avant-garde spirit but also positioned smith as a leading figure in this movem…