Born at Warnbrook, Dorset, the son of a clergyman, Hely Smith studied at the Lincoln School of Art and at the Antwerp Academy. He worked abroad before being based in Looe for much of the 1890s, and, as he specialised in marine subjects, he may have studied under, or become friendly with, OLSSON at this time (Tovey). By 1899 he had moved to London.

A correspondent (2021) who is a great-great nephew to the artist, has written to offer additional information about him, provided by the correspondent's mother, who knew Hely Smith well. The correspondent is the proud owner of around 100 of the artist's paintings.

Apparently Hely Smith was friends with an Austro-Hungarian portrait painter, Philip de Laszlo, with whom he went on painting expeditions. Smith was also acquainted with Vincent van Gogh. A letter written by Hely Smith in 1941 suggests he was very active and lucid until shortly before his death.