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Banovich
founded the Wildscapes Foundation, which fosters cooperative efforts to
conserve the earth`s wild places to benefit the wildlife and the people that
live there, raising millions of dollars for conservation and humanitarian
causes.
Banovich is an award winning artist who hopes that his art will inspire us
to protect our wildlife and ensure its survival.
Click here for more about
John Banovich
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 John
Banovich and WCS Biologist, John Goodrich, radio tracking collared Siberian
tigers.
"The pictures John Banovich creates offer the viewer a new and different
perspective of the natural world in canvases which are outstanding examples
of artistic achievement. His success as an artist comes not only from
masterful technical skill, but also from an obvious first-hand knowledge and
deep connection with his wildlife subjects."
- Joseph Vance, President Emeritus,
Society of Animal Artists |
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“A Giant
Among Giants ” |
"Set among an acacia forest in Zimbabwe`s
Savé Valley Conservancy lies what could arguably be Africa`s largest
tree. This giant baobab tree on Mokore Ranch measures approximately
137ft in circumference.
The ancient baobab tree is often called the upside down tree as an
Arabian legend claims that "...the devil pulled out the tree and planted
it upside down."
A favorite of the elephants, the baobab has edible, hanging gourd-like
fruit. The fiber from its bark is often stripped away and eaten by the
pachyderms or is used to make rope or cloth by the African people. Its
huge swollen trunk is often excavated to access its water reserves which
can then be used for temporary shelters. The African baobab provides so
much for so many it's no wonder it has been called the "Tree of Life."
— John Banovich
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“Leopard
Call ” |
"Leopards will pair up during the mating
season, but they separate long before the cubs are born, leaving the
rearing of the cubs to be done by the female over the next several
years. This pair has probably come together before as his territory
overlaps hers and is proclaimed by scent stations, claw marks on the
acacia trunks and leopard calls. In this work, I wanted to capture that
apprehensive moment when he waits for her to descend the tree—will she
greet him or try to run away?"
— John Banovich
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“Joining
the Pride ” |
"After a gestation period of about three months,
a lioness will go off on her own and seek an isolated, sheltered place to
give birth to between two and four cubs. Born with their eyes closed, these
four-pound bundles of fur quickly grow, and by six weeks, they are busy
exploring their shelter.
They begin to eat meat at this age, and soon their mother introduces them to
her pride. Joining a group that may include several litters of cubs of
similar age is a time of social bonding that will be the collective lifeline
for years to come for the world's only social cat."
— John Banovich
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" Someone
to Watch Over Us
" |
"Known to be very good mothers, the female polar
bears typically produces two to three cubs but rarely does more than one
survive their first year. This mother has been lucky enough to rear three
into their second year and by now has taught them most things it will need
to know to survive in such an extreme environment. Her vigilance knows no
limits when protecting her young and can even drive away a large male that
outweighs her by nearly a third. "
— John Banovich
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" Bull of
the Woods
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"As with many of my works, often the
background is kept to a minimum, placing the entire focus on the
character of the chosen subject. A bull moose is North America`s largest
ungulate with a mature bull weighing nearly 1800 pounds. Quite a
formidable presence when displaying during the rut (September) and
protecting his harem from intruders. Virtually afraid of nothing, they
can move with lightening speed when charging, which I learned first hand
on several occasions! To emphasize the massive size, I arranged him so
that the canvas appears to be unable to contain his huge antlers – as if
he is peering through the window at you!"
— John Banovich
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" Echos in
Gold
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"In the Rocky Mountains, summer starts out
with the mountains being cloaked in a medley of greens, then in
September turning to a kaleidoscope of orange and gold. The great change
in the landscape brings about chilled, crisp air and the deep bellowing
of the bugling Bull Elk in rut.
I emphasized the different layers in the background as nearly horizontal
bands of color, each representing a receding depth of field. The elk are
placed up front in the foreground like actors on a stage - the old bull
bugling to any challengers that may be within earshot. And it is these
"Echoes in Gold" that become the sound of music in the forest and adds
the wild to the wilderness."
— John Banovich
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"
Peaceable Kingdom
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" East Africa possesses one of the last
great wildlife concentrations on earth. In the Serengeti region, over
one million wild beasts migrate from the south, north to the Masai Mara
in Kenya, and back again- in pursuit of rich nutritious grass following
the rains.
Predators, including lions, benefit as well during this time as prey
numbers regionally increase ten-fold during these times the wildebeest
can tell if the lions are in hunting mode or not and behave accordingly
often coming very close to investigate. Although when the sun finally
sets, the lions will become active again in the pursuit of the great
herds under the cloak of darkness."
— John Banovich
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" Bahati
Ya Kawinda
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"Bahati Ya Kawinda is Swahili for "lucky
hunting." Featuring a family of lions on a fresh warthog kill, Even
though this is a small prey for two adults and three cubs, it probably
was an important hunting lesson for the cubs who before long will be
capable of capturing small prey on their own. And as with most kills in
East Africa, it does not take long for scavengers to show up hoping to
steal a tidbit for them selves."
— John Banovich
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" Face to
Face
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"The Amur (Siberian) Tiger is found in the
Far East of Russia and with the last population estimate at just over
400, it is one of the rarest cats in the world. This efficient predator
is the largest cat in the world possessing immense strength, even
capable of killing a grizzly bear. The future of the Amur tiger will
depend entirely on hunters as 80% of its remaining habitat lies in
community hunting leases.
The people in these areas must begin to link their economic well- being
to the presence of tigers. These lands are now starting to participate
in new TIGER FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION activities like tourist hunting of
ungulates and distribution of herbs and mushrooms - which brings dollars
into the communities through the presence of tigers. We are now "Face to
Face" with the reality that the Siberian tiger must pay its way in the
future or disappear from the forest forever."
— John Banovich
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" Shelter
from the Storm
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"Living in the arctic region of North
America, polar bears often encounter intense wind and cold. Often during
these storms the bears will simply lie down and wait it out. The mothers
are seasoned veterans to such weather, but the cubs seem less tolerant
and snuggle up to the warmth of Mom (protecting their sensitive faces)
whose large body provides
shelter from the storm."
— John Banovich
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" Fleeing
Rwanda
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The Virunga volcano region in Central Africa
is home to the world`s only population of mountain gorillas. The small
bit of land straddles the war-torn region where Rwanda, Uganda and the
republic of Congo
(formerly Zaire) come together.
War produces casualties and refugees, both human and animal, and the
gorillas are no exception. Sounds of war can force them to flee their
home territory into new and unfamiliar places putting severe stress on
the entire troop. With approximately only 650 left in the wild (none in
captivity) this closely related ancestor of ours faces a most uncertain
future."
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John Banovich
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" Under
the Baobab
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"The baobab tree has been called the tree of
life. With its layered, translucent bark resembling human skin, it`s as
if it truly is a living, breathing creature. In the rainy season, it
swells as it takes up water, storing it in its fibrous, somewhat hollow
inside to use in times of drought. Reaching up to nearly 100 feet in
circumference, these behemoths dwarf anything else on the African
landscape. Early one morning, I saw this magnificent baobab as the sun`s
rays slowly descended her limbs. She radiated a brilliant orange light,
looking just like an awakening queen."
—
John Banovich
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" Jewel of
the Crater
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"This piece was inspired by a friend for his
anniversary. I wanted to portray the pair of zebra as if they are
standing before a large gathering ready to exchange vows. The setting is
Lake Makat in Ngoro Ngoro crater. This soda lake attracts thousands of
flamingos and the fresh water inlet attracts herds of wildebeest and
zebra making for a very popular drinking area.
The kaleidoscope of white and pink flamingos makes for a perfect
backdrop for the black and white striped torsos of the zebra. They
contrast perfectly with the cerulean- blue sparkling water, making the
whole scene appear as if they are the "Jewel of the Crater"
—
John Banovich
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" Pirates
of the Plains
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"The spotted Hyena is the most abundant
predator on the African plain. With a reputation as a scavenger in
reality it is quite a good hunter. Hunger will drive them to take down
large prey but only after all easier e
fforts have failed.
Although most of their hunting and foraging is done alone, at times clan
members deliberately set off in packs to rustle up a meal. When
successful, loud squabbling takes place which lets everyone know,
including lions, "food straight ahead." Lions and Hyenas often compete
aggressively to dominate a kill and their well-documented hatred for
each other seems
to run quite deep."
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John Banovich
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" Ladies
First
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"I always have enjoyed watching white-tailed
deer and living on the Yellowstone River, I get the pleasure of seeing them
daily. It`s most amusing to see them make their way down to the river for a
drink and if there is a buck around he usually allows the ladies to go
first.
Not out of courtesy, but to protect his own butt if there is a predator
around. In Montana, white-tail deer numbers have increased dramatically from
the mid seventies from approximately 225,000 to around 500,000 and have even
begun to invade mule deer territory."
— John Banovich
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" Echoes
of Yellowstone" |
In Yellowstone, September brings beautiful fall
colors and cool crisp mornings. But what seems to be the most impressive is
the bugling sound of the bull elk. At times, the whole forest seems to come
alive with the echoes of this magnificent beast.
I`m always amazed that for such a large animal they are so silent and
sometimes they seem to just appear out of thin air. I wanted to create the
feeling this magnificent bull was emerging from the foggy marsh and stepping
right out of the canvas! I enjoy painting large powerful animals as if they
are too big for the canvas. It gives the impression they are coming right
off the wall."
— John Banovich
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Limited edition
Giclée on canvas |
image size:
29" x 39" |
$1660.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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" Grizzly
Encounter " |
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"I have had the good fortune of seeing many
grizzlies in the wild (one was from a precarious distance of three feet).
They are by far our greatest symbol of the wild, unspoiled wilderness.
Having been eliminated from most of their habitat in the continental U.S.
(and now protected) they can still be found in and around Yellowstone and
Glacier National Parks. The idea for "Grizzly Encounter" came from hiking in
grizzly country and always keeping a keen eye on the lookout. The subjects
were arranged as if two ravens taking flight have just startled you.
Unfortunately upon close inspection, you realized they were on a mule deer
kill with the owner of the carcass rising up and clearly stating he is not
willing to share."
— John Banovich
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Limited edition
Giclée on canvas |
image size:
40" x 29" |
$1695.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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" The Long
Drink " |
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This
painting depicts a giraffe bent in an awkward position with its feet spread
apart and head down drinking from a pool of water. This position leaves the
the giraffe in an extremely vulnerable state. The giraffe is able to whip
its head up and down because the veins in its neck are equipped with special
valves which keep it from getting dizzy. Although its neck is over seven
feet long, it only has seven bones - the same as humans or even mice -
but
each bone is up to one foot long.
— John Banovich
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Limited edition
Giclée on canvas |
image size:
11" x 14" |
$385.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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" Soon to
be King " |
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Beating the odds of survival in the wild, this male has sharpened his
skills over the years and today proudly displays all the characteristics
allowing him to one day reign over a pride of his own enjoying all the
privileges of a king.
— John Banovich
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Limited edition
textured
canvas |
image size:
19" x 31" |
$1660.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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" Heart of
the Pride " |
In
lion society, the male lion may be the dominant figurehead, but it's the
lioness that does most of the hunting and rearing of the cubs. With the
typical male making only infrequent appearances, the lioness is truly the
Heart of the Pride.—
John Banovich
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Limited edition
Giclée on canvas |
image size:
15" x 28" |
$765.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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" Great
White " |
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Surviving relics from an early era in the age of mammals, the white rhino is
the second largest land mammal on earth. With its wide, muscular lips
blazing a wide swath, the white rhino is the ultimate grazer, eating about
12 hours a day. Kicking up large numbers of insects as they lumber about,
finding lunch seems like easy pickings for the cattle egrets.
— John Banovich
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Limited edition
Giclée on canvas |
image size:
37" x 31" |
$1615.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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Limited edition print |
image size:
27 3/8" x 22 3/4" |
$299.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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" Eden " |
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"The Okavangno delta's source begins to the
north, in the mountains of Angola. The rainwater travels over 2000 miles to
the Central Kalahari Desert, and then dissipates into the sand, never
reaching the ocean. The lush enviroment supports some of the largest
concentrations of bird and animal life on earth. This place of such beauty
and splendor is thought to be the "Garden of Eden". These three old bulls
made their way through the forest and walked across the lagoon. They stood
in front of me with the mystique of three wise men, yet paid little mind to
my presence. A quick sniff of my head and they continued their journey. "
— John Banovich
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Limited edition
Giclée on canvas |
image size:
22" X 32" |
Click
here for availability |
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" Clash of
the Titans " |
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One
of the rarest sights in the world is two bull giraffe clashing over
territory. Using their heads as massive wrecking balls they swing violently
towards the opponent (using the leverage of an extremely long neck) with
lightning speed. The sounds are thunderous. This particular day the bulls
were evenly matched and both very intent on gaining the upper hand. After
nine minutes of intense action the slightly darker but smaller bull emerged
the victor! — John Banovich
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Limited edition
Giclée on canvas |
image size:
48" X 32" |
$2065.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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Limited edition print |
image size:
31 1/2" X 21 1/2" |
$275.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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" Big
Ivory " |
"Emerging from the dust, this old bull elephant
has seen the best and worst that Africa has to offer. Almost all African
elephants sport tusk, which has often been referred to as "white gold".
Throughout history it has been coveted for hunting trophies as a carving
medium for figurines and trinkets, billiard balls, rosary beads, piano keys
and thrones for kings and queens.
These modified incisor teeth are used for debarking, digging, rooting,
stabbing and weapons of display. While average tusk size today is around 60
lbs. one such tusk was recorded at over 225 lbs. Hunting and illegal
poaching has contributed to the decline in tusk size over the years. Tusks
grow throughout an elephant`s life with broken tips being replaced but with
constant wear they usually never reach their full potential. If an elephant
has the right genes and has been lucky enough to break them and avoid a
poacher`s chase, he then has a chance to support the ultimate trophy – Big
Ivory!"— John Banovich
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Limited edition
Giclée on canvas |
image size:
33" X 40" |
$1699.00 (Cdn)
US click here |
More info or to order
by phone click here |
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