Called to service in the Red Army in 1938, he was demobilized in 1939 and began work as a decorator. From 1941-46, he again served in the army and participated in military action, for which he was awarded several medals. After the war, he returned to work as a decorator. He studied art from 1950-56. While a student in 1955, he ventured into the Virgin Lands.
Since 1958, Shmelyov has been living in Gorki where he has participated in many exhibitions. He prefers portrait painting, often in a historical setting, capturing the human destiny.