Daniel Smith’s paintings of wildlife, be it bear, moose, bison, crow or even otter, capture the complete essence of a species in a single moment, a brief pause in an otherwise very physical existence. Likewise viewing these paintings leaves us stilled, like hikers or mountaineers who round a bend and come unexpectedly upon the beauty and fierce intelligence of the animals who share our earth.
North American cougars are now largely extinct in the Northeast United States but are still prevalent in parts of the West, notably Wyoming which has the largest North American population. A solitary, stalk-and-ambush predator, cougar favor deer, elk, bighorn sheep and the occasional domestic cattle.
"Fleeting Sun" is unusual for Daniel Smith in that the sunlight is hitting his subject perpendicularly, highlighting the silky, tawny coat against the cool shadows of gathering dusk in the cliffs behind.

“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.

Lamar Libations was unveiled at the 2011 Prix De West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale at The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Paintings in this show are sold by draw, that is, patrons place an “intent to purchase slip” in a box located beneath each painting. A painting’s box can have none, one or may slips depending on its popularity. In the words of one unsuccessful suitor at the event, “The box for Lamar Libations was stuffed. I didn’t have a chance.” The Lamar Valley is located in the remote northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park. A destination for serious wildlife-watching, it is home to elk, wolves, bear and bison. “Bison are the North American version of Cape Buffalo,” remarks Dan Smith. “I’ve been on foot around them in their habitat and to say they are intimidating is an understatement. What I enjoy about this painting is that its sedentary feel is in such contrast to the intense nature of the beast.”
“Painting the fur on the American Bison is a challenge in my highly realistic style. But when I do that successfully, you can get a real sense of proximity to this incredible beast. The smooth water of the Lamar River carries golden reflections of the surrounding prairie intermingled with the blue patches of sky. I am really pleased with how this painting came out.”
A second chance has arrived for all the patrons at the Prix De West whose slips weren’t drawn for the privilege of purchasing the original painting and also for those collectors that missed out on Dan Smith’s Sold Out at Publisher Stillwater Crossing. Lamar Libations will be released in both a very limited Fine Art Canvas Edition of 50 and a Fine Art Paper Edition of 100. You don’t need to put your name in a box today for the chance to own this wonderful work of art, but if you wait too long you might just have to.

Black bear is a relatively common species in North America and more so in Smith’s home state of Montana where he is fortunate to be able to do field work practically (and sometimes actually) outside his back door. An accomplished wildlife painter, Smith captured the essence of this bear’s heft and character in this 10x10” original painting. “I feel the pose is somewhat anthropomorphic,” says the artist, “ and therefore people are attracted to the composition.”
This entry in a recent miniature sale and auction sold quickly, but we were fortunate to capture it for a Greenwich Workshop SmallWork giclee edition so that a handful of collectors can own it as well. Daniel Smith is just home from his seventh Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles where he won the 2011 Bob Kuhn Wildlife Award, given in recognition of exceptional artistic merit.

“I haven't done a lot of fox paintings until recently,” says artist Daniel Smith. “We have fox around our home and recently had very regular visits over a two week period from a cross fox which is darker in coloration than this red fox. Fox are very shy, always on the move and somewhat difficult to photograph in the wild. This fox has taken a high vantage point in his relentless search for rodents.”
Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has a wide distribution and adapts quickly which is why its population has increased alongside that of man. They are omnivores, eating berries and bugs, but prefer squirrel, rabbits, mice and other small mammals.
Radiant Red, a new SmallWorks™ edition from Daniel Smith, captures this elusive member of the canidae family so you can admire it under your roof.