“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.”

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.

There is a return to things that radiate the greatness of our national heritage. One of our most renowned treasures is the American wilderness. “Radiant Repose” captures the essence of the untamed beauty that that makes the wilderness wild. The painting was created for the 2009 Couer D’Alene Auction.