“Living close to Yellowstone National Park has its advantages,” relates Dan Smith, “especially when the bison rut is at its peak in July and August. There are three to four thousand bison in the park gathering in groups of 50 to 300. If you put yourself in the right place, you’re really going to see the dust fly.”
This access gave Dan a leg up at this year’s Masters of the American West Exhibition and Sale where the 30” x 48” Heavy Hitters took home the 2011 Bob Kuhn Wildlife Award for best wildlife painting. “It’s an incredible honor,” Smith states with awe. “I’m the youngest to have been selected for this award. You always hope that your work will be recognized, but never expect it. To be included in the ranks of Bob Kuhn, Tucker Smith, Ken Carlson and Kent Ullberg is a privilege.”
Heavy Hitters focus is the look in the eyes of a 2000 pound, six-feet tall by twelve-feet in length bison in rut that lets you know he means business. The ferocity of this intent combined with all that mass is an extraordinary display. The snorting and pawing of dirt builds to the point where the two males make contact. You know by the look in left-hand bison’s eyes that this is the real deal.
Sizing & Pricing: Heavy Hitters
MasterWork™
Greenwich Workshop Fine Art Giclée
Canvas: limited to 20 s/n.
48"w x 30"h (unstretched).
$1450
Greenwich Workshop Fine Art Giclée
Canvas: limited to 75 s/n.
26"w x 16"h.
$595
Greenwich Workshop Fine Art Giclée
Print: limited to 100 s/n.
24"w x 15"h.
$195
Daniel Smith, one of America’s foremost wildlife artists, enjoys wide acclaim for his depictions of the natural world. He is inspired by his surroundings in southwest Montana and paints from personal experience. He also has had a lifetime fascination with Africa and travels there frequently seeking artistic inspiration. Daniel has been painting fulltime for over twenty years. His works are in the permanent collection of The Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and The Wildlife Experience. Daniel participates annually in the Masters of the American West exhibit at the Autry National Center and the Western Visions exhibit at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. He has won numerous awards from The Society of Animal Artists as well as being chosen as “Artist of the Year” for several conservation organizations. Throughout his career Smith has used his art to aid and endorse many conservation efforts. He feels indebted to the natural world that has been the sole inspiration for his award winning career.
Awards
2011
Bob Kuhn Wildlife Award for his original painting, Heavy Hitters at theMasters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Saleat the Autry National Museum. 2009
The Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award for his original painting Still Water Crossing at the Quest for the West Art Show at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
2008
Peoples Choice Award for his original painting Saturation Point, at the Western Visions: Miniatures and More Show & Sale at the National Museum of Wildlife Art
2008
Gold Medal Winner for his original painting Duma, at The Greenwich Workshop Gallery's SmallWorks North America Show.
2007
Artist of Distinction award at the Quest for the West Art Show at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. This award was presented to the artist with the best overall body of work exhibited in the show
