Last November when Daniel Smith was roughing it at the Tundra Buggy Hotel at Cape Churchill, Canada, he was just doing what comes naturally to a wildlife artist —research. Some of his companions on the Arctic excursion were professional polar bear researchers, so Smith had the benefit of scientific knowledge as he observed the bears up close and personal. Having traveled to Africa seven times, as well as journeying to Alaska on several occasions, Smith knows there is no substitute for those in-person treks to keep him fresh in his painting. He’s already scheming to get to Svalbard, Norway to see polar bears in a different setting.

Daniel Smith (Montana)

Heavy Hitters
Acrylic
30″ By 48″
The annual summer bison rut in Yellowstone Park is the best time to observe aggressive behaviors.

Daniel Smith (Montana)

Winters Serenity
Acrylic
16″ By 32″
We are blessed to have a resident elk herd in our area, and I never tire of seeing them throughout the year. I particularly enjoy seeing mature bulls sporting their magnificent antlers in the fall. Their haunting bugle is always a thrill to hear during the autumnal rut.