Daniel Smith, one of America's foremost
wildlife artists, enjoys wide acclaim for
his
conservation stamp artwork. After winning
the first Minnesota Pheasant Stamp
Competition in 1983, Smith, who had been
working as a commercial artist, was able to
begin painting full time. The detail and
scientific accuracy of Smith's work quickly
brought him attention. His talent caught the
eyes of organizations such as the National
Geographic Society, who commissioned him
to paint five color plates for The Field Guide
to the Birds of North America, and the prestigious
"Birds in Art"
exhibition sponsored by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson
Art Museum.
His reputation for excellence has made him
a favorite of collectors of
original paintings as well.
Smith won the 1988-89 Federal Duck Stamp Competition
and was
named Ducks Unlimited International Artist
of the Year in 1988. He
was also the artist of the 1991 Texas Waterfowl
Stamp. Smith, a
native of Minnesota, considers his selection
as the artist for the 1991
Minnesota Duck Stamp a feather in his "duck
stamp bonnet."
Smith's concerns, however, extend beyond his
artwork.
Environmental issues have become increasingly
significant to Smith,
who has used his art to endorse and aid many
conservation efforts.
He believes in the need for a global policy
regarding the world's
natural resources. Smith says, "The ever increasing
demands of
mankind are taxing our natural ecosystems
as never before. If action
is not taken soon, we may well be faced with
a global crisis that is
irreversible."
Smith's global prominence in the world of wildlife
art has afforded
him the honor of creating the original artwork
for several international
programs. In 1989, he created the image for
Australia's First of
Nation Duck Stamp, which helped raise funds
for the Australian
Wetlands Conservation Project. Smith is also
the creator of the
United Kingdom's 1991 First of Nation Duck
Stamp, a benefit for The
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, which was founded
by the late Sir
Peter Scott. Smith was also selected as the
artist for the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation's 1991 Conservation
Stamp and Print
program.In 1991, Smith was inducted into the
"US Art Hall of Fame" and he was named "Artist of the Year" at the 1997
Florida Wildlife Exp..
Daniel Smith is published by Millpond Press.
