Eugene Schmidt was born in Gladbeck, Westphalia, Germany in 1919. He began his professional artistic training in 1934. He received personal instruction from artists who had studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. Schmidt also studied art history, stylistic arts, and perspective drawing during his formative years. Schmidt is well known for his almost realistic depictions of California buildings and famous landmarks.

After setting out on his art career he worked in Germany, Italy, Montreal, Canada. He resided and painted in Santa Barbara, California for over 45 years. He continued to work out of his studio on Francis Street in Santa Barbara.