Cool Runnings by Daniel Smith ~ In prehistoric times bears were revered as gods. To this day, the power and magnificence of the bear stirs our imagination and emotions. Cool Runnings is a captivating portrait of an animal who has inspired both fear and fascination in mankind for millennia. Smith’s realistic style brings every drop of water and each wet hair on the grizzly’s face into sharp focus, making it clear that the artist has spent years studying these remarkable creatures.

Smith received the Artist of Distinction Award at the second annual Quest for the West Art Show and Sale at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. He has been invited to participate in the Autry National Center’s prestigious Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale for the fifth year in a row, and Art of the West magazine recently dubbed him one of the “heirs apparent” to Western Wildlife master Robert Kuhn.