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A LITTLE HISTORY ON THE 55TH (1988-89) DUCK STAMP ARTIST

Daniel Smith was born in Mankato, Minnesota on August 1, 1954.   Before devoting his life full-time to wildlife art, he spent eight years in the commercial art field as an illustrator.  This experience broadened and deepened his technique and contributed greatly to his unique style - a style that has brought him widespread recognition.

Smith is a perfectionist and excellence is his trademark.  "I don't like to paint an animal or bird that I haven't observed in the field," says Smith.   "Understanding their characteristics and nature is critically important when painting wildlife art."

Smith isn't content creating just an attractive picture.  He always pushes beyond the obvious - "I try to make a statement with my art.  My goal when I start a painting, is to express the character of my subject through a creative and careful balance of color, lighting, mood and action."

The union of these fundamentals produce a Smith painting that not only meets the demanding standards of science, but appeals to the discriminating collector as well.

At a relatively young age, Smith has carved an impressive niche in wildlife art.   He began to climb to success by winning the 1983 Minnesota "First of State" Pheasant Stamp competition.  Since then, Smith has designed several state stamp designs. They include: 1985 Alaska Duck Stamp, 1985 Georgia Duck Stamp,   1986 New Mexico Turkey Stamp, 1986 South Carolina Duck Stamp, 1987 Arizona Duck Stamp, 1987 West Virginia Duck Stamp,   1988 Minnesota Pheasant Stamp, 1989 Idaho Duck Stamp, 1989 New Jersey Duck Stamp, 1989 Australia Duck Stamp, 1990 Utah Duck Stamp, 1991 Arkansas Duck Stamp and 1991 Texas Duck Stamp.

Smith is a master at his craft.  He has been juried into the prestigious Bird in Art exhibition sponsored by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum seven times.   He was selected as the first "Artist of the Year" for the Iowa Wildlife Art Show, Des Moines, and "Artist of the Year" at the prestigious 1987 Minnesota Wildlife Heritage Foundation Art Show, Minneapolis.  He was selected as the1988 "Artist of the Year" by the National Wildlife and Western Art Collectors Society for their annual Exhibit and Sale in Minneapolis.

Smith is a strong believer in supporting wildlife conservation organizations.  He actively contributes to Pheasants Forever, Turn in Poachers (TIP), Minnesota Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited and others.

--------------------THE ART--------------------

Snow Goose is reproduced on high quality 100 percent acid-free rag paper using fade resistant inks.. The edition was 22,000 regular signed and numbered prints, 6,500 with a sterling silver snow goose on a gold plated medallion, and 750 prints  with a one ounce 14-karat gold medallion.  The image size is 6-1/2" x 9".  The medallion is full struck 2 3/32"x1-5/16"

--------------------THE STAMP--------------------

Snow Goose…Engraved by the Federal Bureau of Engraving from the original artwork. Printed in full color. The stamp sold for ten dollars. Postal records show 1,394,923 stamps sold. First day of sale was July 3, 1988.