Like many of the Abstract Expressionists, Smith possessed the ability to easily switch between an abstract and figurative style of working. His process also involved going back and forth between the different stages of development within a certain style or serial group, as suggested by the Cubis.
Smith's artistic approach mirrored that of other Abstract Expressionists by easily switching between abstract and representational styles. His creative process often involved revisiting various phases within a specific style or series, much like how Cubist works explore multiple perspectives simultaneously.