Twice Honored

By Lee D. Salber, Senior Editor

Dan Smith is not a newcomer to the Ducks Unlimited art program. He first won the prestigious title of International Artist of the Year in 1989, becoming the 19th artist to do so.

This year he joins an even more elite group of artisans: those who have won two such titles. In the 32-year history of the program, only three other artists have been so honored.

When asked how his work has changed in the last 13 years, Smith chuckles and says, "I'd like to think I've developed--that I've become a whole lot more accomplished." He goes on to say, though, that he is never totally satisfied with a painting, and is always pushing himself to do better. "It's a journey, and you're only as good as the last thing you did. I put the same pressure on myself whether I'm doing a remarque on a print, a miniature, or a 40-inch by 50-inch painting." He says that, generally, the technical aspect of painting is not a problem for him. "The challenge is in coming up with the idea, the composition, and pulling the right elements together."

Smith's 2002-2003 winning painting, On the Rise-Canvasbacks, combines two elements that interest him. "The canvasback is definitely one of my all-time favorite diving ducks," says Smith, "and I also love painting water, especially moving water."

Getting accurate reference material is a part of Smith's work that he feels is extremely important. He spends a great deal of time observing and photographing wildlife near his home in Bozeman, Montana. He also travels on photo safaris as far away as Africa to get the kind of firsthand knowledge he feels is important for properly portraying an animal in its natural habitat. If Smith can't find good reference material on a particular animal, he won't paint it. "I've been wanting to paint a swimming moose for years, but I think, where will I ever get the reference? There are some artists that like to cut corners, and don't do their homework," Smith points out, "but I feel I have to be out there observing wildlife to understand what I am painting. The passion I feel comes from being there."

Smith's passion for wildlife art started moving full bore in the 1970s, when he lived in Minnesota and competed in duck stamp competitions in numerous states. For years, he was a top contender in these contests, winning many of them. In 1981, he entered the federal duck stamp competition for the first time and placed second out of a field of 1,500 contestants. Smith continued to place in subsequent years, culminating with his winning of the federal contest in 1987. His winning design, a backlit snow goose, adorns the 1988-89 federal stamp.

Asked if he still competes, Smith says, "I don't do state stamps anymore, but, yeah, I'm still kind of a sucker for the federal, no matter how brutal the Hautmans have been." (The three Hautman brothers have won seven of the last 13 federal duck stamp art contests.) When the Hautmans were first starting out, Smith gave them some pointers on getting good reference material. He kiddingly says, "I've since regretted that piece of advice."

Smith enjoys painting waterfowl, but his subjects also include deer, big cats, eagles, songbirds, and moose. Favorite animal? "You know, there's no way I could choose," says Smith, "I'm fascinated with so many things in the natural world."

When starting a new painting, Smith considers animals that interest him rather than those that a buyer might want him to tackle. He feels that working on a commission limits his freedom. And there's another problem with commissions as far as Smith is concerned. "Buyers often have a preconceived idea of what a painting should look like when it's done-an idea that is often difficult for an artist to satisfy." Besides, says Smith, "Everything I paint sells, so why should I paint what someone else wants? More importantly, I truly believe the best art comes from within, comes from an artist's head."

Smith's interest in wildlife art has gone hand in hand with his dedication to the resource. He has contributed artwork not only to Ducks Unlimited, but also to other conservation organizations. "The best conservation groups in the world are hunting organizations," says Smith. "You know, my career really was founded on conservation; I started doing stuff with DU right out of the chute. I built my entire career on painting ducks."

Given Smith's drive and competitive nature, one question remains: Does he have his sights set on becoming the first artist to win the title of International Artist of the Year a third time? Time will tell.