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“Now more than ever, we need to expand the message about the vital importance of the world’s natural places and utilize the forceful role that artists can leverage in the efforts to conserve them."

– John Banovich

About - Wildlife Art of John Banovich

John Banovich (b.1964) is an American contemporary oil painter known internationally for his large, dramatic portrayals of iconic wildlife. Today, Banovich’s work is admired and collected globally by prominent politicians, entertainers, business leaders and art collectors. His work can be found in private collections, corporate offices and museums throughout the world.
 

Through my artwork, I hope to move, reveal and inspire people to seek a deeper understanding of the world around us and bring together groups of individuals to unite on a common ground. Our natural world is severely threatened and with this increased pressure, a new paradigm must emerge...artists, conservationists, sportsmen and environmentalists must come together in areas of overlapping interests."

– John Banovich

Biography

John Banovich is known internationally for his large, dramatic portrayals of iconic wildlife.  His life-sized elephant painting “Once Upon A Time” drew global attention to ivory poaching and his deep knowledge of wildlife and unwavering commitment to conservation continues to raise awareness about imperiled species. 

In 2007 John Banovich founded the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation. It is the culmination of tireless conservation efforts over the past decades. Through his career as an artist, Banovich has inspired a deeper understanding of the world and its wildlife, encouraging successful conservation efforts and awareness of endangered species and their habitats.  

Under the umbrella of his Banovich Wildscapes Foundation, money generated through artwork sales has been channeled back into support efforts that promote habitat protection, science-based wildlife management and sustainable tourism. 

Banovich's work is in important museum, corporate and private collections and has appeared in numerous prestigious venues including the Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Wildlife Experience Art Museum, Salmagundi Club, Museum of the Southwest, Natural History Museum, Gilcrease Museum, traveling exhibitions sponsored by the Society of Animal Artists, and Artists for Conservation. Most recently Banovich was featured in a traveling museum exhibition titled The King of Beasts: A Study of the African Lion.  As an internationally recognized artist who has studied lions for decades, and the Founder of the Lion P.R.I.D.E. Initiative, the body of work created for this exhibition served as an homage to these animals and explores questions about mankind’s deep fear, love, and admiration for these creatures. The exhibition spanned nearly twenty-five years of work, and assembles Banovich’s body of work focused on African Lions for the very first time. As the plight of the African Lion continues to be prominently featured across media platforms, the cultural significance of Panthera leo could not be timelier.

In the press, Banovich’s work has been showcased on Forbes, CBS Entertainment Tonight, The Outdoor Channel, The Great American Country Channel, Orion Entertainment, PBS, Southwest Art Magazine, Western Art Collector Magazine, Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Sporting Classics, Western Art & Architecture, and most recently NBC has written about his dedication to his conservation work and named him an NBC Cause Celebrity.

“I started the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation as a way to give something back to the world that has given so much to me. The name WILDSCAPES refers to large abundant landscapes…wild, balanced and intact ecosystems. There is nothing more important to future generations than wildlife and wild lands. Special places that lift our minds, replenish our spirits and renew our passion for living."

- John Banovich, Artist/Conservationist 

 

In 2007 John Banovich founded the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation. It is the culmination of tireless conservation efforts over the past two decades. Through his career as an artist, Banovich has inspired a deeper understanding of the world and its wildlife, encouraging successful conservation efforts and awareness of endangered species and their habitats. Traveling across the world seeking inspiration for his work, John has utilized these opportunities to research wildlife and to learn about associated conservation challenges at the local, regional, and national levels. Through his career, artwork and his publishing company, Banovich Art, Banovich has developed effective ways to help implement and support conservation programs and is utilizing his imagery to promote a message of wildlife preservation and to initiate real change - BWF is making a difference.  Currently BWF supports eleven projects in seven countries.

 

CV

Education

University of Montana, Art & Zoology, Missoula, MT

Art Institute of Seattle, Associates Degree-Visual Communications, Seattle, WA

Exhibitions/Events

National Museum of Wildlife Art, Western Visions Invitational, Jackson Hole, WY, 2005-2006, 2016-Present

Southeastern Wildlife Art Exposition, 1993, 1995, 1996, Feature Artist: 1998, Guest Artist: 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2021 to Present

Safari Club International, 1995-Present

Dallas Safari Club, Dallas, TX, 1995-Present

African Community & Conservation Foundation, Faru & Fundraiser, Seattle, WA, October, 2022

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Prix de West Invitational, Oklahoma City, OK, 1999-2020, 2022

African Community & Conservation Foundation, Tusk Lion Trail Exhibition & Fundraiser, Hamptons, NY, August 2021

National Museum of Wildlife Art, Living Legends III Exhibition, Jackson Hole, WY, October 31, 2020-May 16, 2021

The Witte Museum,  KING OF BEASTS Exhibition, San Antonio, TX, April-September 2020

Nevada Museum of Art, KING OF BEASTS Exhibition, November 2019-February 2020

Seattle Art Fair, Seattle, WA, August, 2019

Behring Global Education Foundation, Keynote Speaker, The Power of Art to Increase Awareness for Conservation, Wuhan Natural History Museum, Wuhan China, July 2018

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Birds in Art, Wausau, WI, 1997-2006, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017

Society of Animal Artists, Art and the Animal Exhibition, 1998-2016

Artists for Conservation, Vancouver, B.C., 2009, 2017

Houston Safari Club, Houston, TX, 2015

Safari Club International Miniature Invitational, Las Vegas, NV, 2015

Settler’s West Gallery, American Miniature Show, Tucson, AZ, 2008-2015

Scottsdale Art Auction, Scottsdale, AZ, 2015

Jackson Hole Art Auction, Jackson Hole, WY, 2013-2015

Coeur d’Alene Art Auctiion, Reno, NV, 2014, 2015

Wildlife Experience Museum and Museum of the Southwest, Nature of the Beast, Solo Exhibition, 2010

Gilcrease Museum, American Art in Miniature Invitational, 2006

The City Gallery at Waterfront Park, One Man Exhibition, Charleston, SC, 2005

Society of Animal Artists, Animals in Art Holiday Exhibition, Miami Metro Zoo, Miami, FL, 2004

Hiram Blauvelt Museum, Solo Exhibition, Oradell, NJ, 2002

J.N. Bartfield Gallery, Nature’s Legacy: Wildlife and Wild Country, New York, NY, 2002

Phillips Auction House, Rhino Rescue, London, England, 2001

Everard Read Gallery, Natural History Paintings and Sculpture, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2000

Trailside Galleries, Wildlife Discovery, Scottsdale AZ, 2000

Lt. Governor’s Art Council Exhibition, The Power of Nature, Capitol Building, Olympia, WA, 1998

Wonders of Nature Tour, Hong Kong, 1997

Spanierman Gallery, Natural Habitat, New York, 1997

Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show, 1993-1996, Featured Artist 1996,

The Houstonian, One Man Exhibition, Houston, TX, 1996

Art Chateau, One Man Exhibition, Butte, MT, 1990

Wild Wings, Designs in Nature, Seattle WA

Northwest Invitational, Howard Mandeville Gallery

Prestige Gallery, Original Art Showcase, Ontario, Canada

Nature in Art Museum, Gloucester, England

Selected Publications/Film

Edge of Existence, Feature length documentary Film by Black Bean Productions, Executive Producer, 2021-2023

Last Horns of Africa, Feature length documentary film, Executive Producer 2021-2023

KING OF BEASTS: A Study of the African Lion by John Banovich, Live Oak Press, 2019

BEAST: The Collected Works of John Banovich, Banovich Fine Art Publishing, 2009

Two Hearts in Tanzania: Dick and Mary Cabela's Hunting Chronicles II by Mary Cabela and Richard N. Cabela

Selected Press

Fieldsports Journal, John Banovich, Captured on Canvas, Volume VII Issue 1, 2023-2024

Sporting Classics, Johnny Be Good by Todd Wilkinson, October, 2023

Modern Huntsman, Cover & Artist Feature, Volume 8, 2022

Focus, by David Yarrow, Volume Three, Paris Hilton | Russell Wilson | Ciara | John Banovich, September 2021

FOUR Magazine, “Wilds of Africa”, Featuring John Banovich, 10th Anniversary Edition, Summer 2021

Sporting Classics, Cover, The Tszavo Twins, “Man-Eaters of Tsavo” by John Banovich, July/August 2021

Forbes, Meet the Tarzan Who Can Paint, July 2020

Newsbreak, Meet the Tarzan Who Can Paint, July 2020

Flipboard, Meet the Tarzan Who Can Paint, July 2020

San Antonio Magazine, King of Beasts Exhibition, June 2020

San Antonio Current, New Exhibit by San Antonio’s Witte Museum Uses Artwork to Educate About Big Cats, June 2020

CBS, K5 News, Weather Minds Classroom-Field Trip to the Witte Museum, July 2020

Sporting Classics, King of Beasts: A Study of the African Lion, January/February 2020

Sporting Classics, Cover, Inside the Red Zone, January/February 2020

Western Art & Architecture, Creativity for Conservation, October/November 2019

Safari Magazine, Beyond the Edge of the Canvas, Winter 2019

ABC Channel 4 News, South Carolina, February 2018

Robb Report, Inside Singita’s Super Exclusive Serengeti House, November 2017

Artists for Conservation, Banovich Establishes New $100,000 Conservation Award 2017

Western Art Collector, Cover, June, 2017

Sporting Classics, John Banovich: Heart of a Lion by David Cabela, January/February, 2017

Sports Afield, The Art of the Game, November/December, 2016

Stanford University, Millennium Alliance for Humanity and Biosphere, John Banovich-Painting Animals & Protecting Wildscapes, October, 2016

CBS, KZBK TV, Livingston, MT, July 2016

Western Art Collector Magazine, February, 2016

Orion Entertainment, Great American Country Channel, Ultimate Sportsman’s Lodge TV Series, 2015

Distinctly Montana, Magazine, 2015

Sporting Classics, “On Location” by Chris Dorsey, December, 2015

Private Air Luxury Homes, John Banovich – Larger than Life Big Canvas Bigger Artist, September/October 2015

Southwest Art, My World, June, 2015

Western Art & Architecture, February/March, 2015

NBC Cause Celeb, October, 2014

Cowboys & Indians, John Banovich, January, 2015

Safari Express, Buenos Aires Argentina SCI Chapter, An Inspiring Artist, Spring 2014

The Outdoor Group, Inc., 42nd Annual SCI Convention, February 2014

Safari Magazine, Art of the Hunt: Maximum Impact,  Jan/Feb 2014

Safari Club Convention Daily News, Banovich Now and Future, February 8, 2014

Discovery Life Magazine,The Artist’s Touch, Volume VII, Fall 2013

The Sporting Life Radio Show, Celebrity Guest: John Banovich, November 2013

Western Art & Architecture, In the Studio, Dec/Jan 2013

Open Fences, John Banovich: Big Animals, Big Teeth, Big Program, Spring 2012

Texas Sporting Journal, Beyond Passion, January/February 2011

Sporting Classics, Living What He Paints, January 2011

Banovich Travels to China, Project Panda: The Global Search for Chengdu Pambassador, Fall 2010

Entertainment Tonight, Highlights “BEAST: The Collected Works of John Banovich,” November 2009

Cowboys & Indians, Gallery Tour, Featuring “Passing Along the Lessons She Learned,” June 2009

Western Art & Architecture, Swimming with Giants, Winter/Spring 2009

Pakistan Chronicle, November 2008

Montana Living, John Banovich, Summer 2007

Big Sky Journal, Arts Issue, July/August 2007

African Wildlife Foundation, Africa Geographic, PRIDE Initiative, May 2007

Outdoor Life Network, Dangerous Game Episode, October 2006

WPBS Television, An Artist’s Journey, March 2006

Wildlife Art Magazine, Big As Life, Jan/Feb 2006

The Artist’s Magazine, Big Game, July/August 2006

Game Trails, Featured Artist: John Banovich, Summer 2006

Distinctly Montana, Painter of the Big Wild, Winter 2005-2006

The Outdoor Channel 2, Wildlife Art Gallery, 2005

African Sporting Gazette, 2005

African Wildlife Foundation, Africa Geographic, The Mind’s Eye, Fall 2005

Wildscape Magazine, UK, Banovich: Step by Step, Summer 2005

PBS, Journeys of an Artist, July 2004

Sporting Classics, This ‘N That, May/June 2004

Wildscape Magazine, UK, The Art of John Banovich, March 2004

Art World News, Banovich: Making A Difference Naturally, May/June 2003

Big Sky Journal, John Banovich: A Painter’s Barn, Summer 2003

Bozeman Chronicle, Living and Painting Large, May 2003

Wildlife Art, Redefining Success, Jan/Feb 2003

Montana Pioneer, Banovich’s Wild, Wild World, September 2002

InformArt, The Art of Marketing: John Banovich Has Come Far in 7 Years, Fall 2001

Southwest Art, Prix de West Preview, June 2000

U.S. Art, Art Hunters, January 1999

Wildlife Art, The Prize of Humanity, January/February 1999

Game Trails, Featured Artist: John Banovich, Summer 1999

Wildlife Art, Rockport Publishers, 1999

American Artist, Out of Africa,  October 1999

Northlight Books, The Best of Wildlife Art II, 1999

U.S. Art, Painting with Passion, July 1998

U.S. Art, Pachyderm Power, November 1998

Northlight Books, The Best of Wildlife Art, 1997

Art Trends, January/February 1997

Sporting Classics, The Banovich Niche, March 1996

Wildlife Art, A Passion for the Unexpected, July 1996

Inform Art, Building A Body .of Art, September/October 1994

U.S. Art, Wildlife Art Rising Start, June 1994

 

Affiliations

American Prairie Reserve, Board Member, 2023-Present

Banovich Wildscapes Foundation, Founder/CEO, 2007-Present

Society of Animal Artists, Distinguished Member, 1998-Present

Shikar Safari Club, Member, 2007-Present

ACE Award for Conservation Excellence, Founder, 2018

Safari Club International Foundation, Advisory Board Member, 2015-2020

Craighead Institute, Board of Directors & Member, 2007-Present

Lion P.R.I.D.E. Initiative, Founder, 2007

Artists for Conservation, 2009-Present

Society of Animal Artists, Board Member, 2004-2008

Safari Club International “Conservation Alliance” Project, Co-Founder, 2007

Safari Club International Foundation Humanitarian Services, “Tatu” Project, Co-Founder, 2006

Awards

Safari Club International, Featured Artist, 2022

National Museum of Wildlife Art, Trustee Purchase Award, “Among the Giants, Jackson Hole, WY, 2020

Sporting Classics, Award of Excellence, 2018

Artists for Conservation, Best in Show for Painting,”Game of Lions”, Vancouver, B.C., 2015

Artists for Conservation, Medal of Excellence”, Vancouver, B.C., 2015

Jackson Hole Art Auction, Top Tier Artist, Jackson Hole, WY, 2014, 2015

Safari Club International, C.J McElroy Award, 2010

National Indie Coffee Table Book Award for “BEAST: The Collected Works of John Banovich”, 2010

Society of Animal Artists, Presidential Artistic Achievement Award, 2009

Artists for Conservation, Simon Combes Conservation Award, “Shelter from the Storm,” 2009

Society of Animal Artists, Award of Excellence, “End of Days,” 2008

Society of Animal Artists, Presidential Artistic Achievement Award, “A Giant Among Giants,” 2007

National Rifle Association, Artist of the Year, “Echoes in Gold,” 2007

Worldwide Nature Artist’s Group, Conservation Artist of the Month, April 2006

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Artist of the Year, “Royal Performance,” 2005

The Artist’s Magazine, Second Place Animal Art, “The Gathering Place,” 2005

The Artist’s Magazine, Landscape Category Finalist, “Under the Baobab,” 2004

The Artist’s Magazine, Animal Art Category Finalist, “Beauties and the Beasts,” 2004

Safari Club International, The People’s Choice Award, 2003

Society of Animal Artists, Award of Excellence, 2001

Society of Animal Artists, Award of Excellence, 2000

Society of Animal Artists, Award of Excellence, “White Rhino and Plovers,” 1997

Society of Animal Artists, Wildlife Art News Award, “The Defensive Line,” 1997

Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show, People’s Choice Award, “Heading for Deep Water,” 1996

Society of Animal Artists, Activities Press Award, “104th Congress,” 1996

The Artist’s Magazine, Animal Art Category Finalist, “The Defensive Line,” 1995

Game Coin Show, San Antonio, Texas, Best New Artist, 1994

U.S. Art, Wildlife Art Rising Star, 1994

Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show, Best of Show, “The Patriarch,” 1994

Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show, Best of Show, “In the Heat of the Day,” 1993

Selected Collections

Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, Springfield, MO

James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, St. Petersburg, FL

National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson Hole, WY

Wildlife Experience Museum, Parker, CO

Tudor Investments, Greenwich, CT

Hiram Blauvelt Museum, Oradell, NJ

Borsini and Burr, San Francisco, CA

The American Patriot Building, Evansville, IN

Yellowstone Club, Warren Miller Lodge, Big Sky, MT

Mary Hart, Host, Entertainment Tonight

Dave Liniger, Founder, RE/MAX Int.

Tom Siebel, Founder, C3

Bob Parsons, Founder, GoDaddy.com

Richard Childress, Team Owner, NASCAR

Dick & Mary Cabela, Owners, Cabelas

Chris Dorsey, CEO of Orion Entertainment

Jack Hanna, Director, Columbus Zoo & TV host of “Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown” and “Into the Wild”

Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., U.S. Army General

Ross Perot Jr., Chairman, Perot Systems

Reviews

"John Banovich not only possesses the vision to capture nature on canvas with unmatched insight and skill, he also extends that vision to saving the wild places that mean so much to all of us. He is an unrivaled artist and conservationist and a gift to those who marvel at the man and his art."  
-Chris Dorsey, CEO and President, Orion Entertainment


“John Banovich has merged the world of wildlife art and conservation in a unique and exciting way. John is able to use his status as world-renowned artist to further conservation efforts even in the remotest parts of the world, working to save Siberian tigers in the Russian Far East, lions in Africa, and even the brown bears of North America. John brings energy, imagination, and leadership to the conservation arena, seeking new partnerships and new mechanisms to save the world's wildlife.” 
- Dale Miquelle, Program Director, Wildlife Conservations Society

 

"His art has a bigger-than-life feel to it that makes it awe inspiring.”  
-Paul Tudor Jones, Tudor Investments

 

"John has the special ability to capture and share his passion and love for Africa through wildlife painting. The connection to each piece, along with his dedication to the protection and preservation of the wildlife and environment is truly spectacular. He is a true advocate for the protection and preservation of African wildlife and land, John Banovich, brings the beauty of Africa to enthusiasts worldwide through his exceptional pieces of wildlife art. I wouldn’t have wanted to be shown Africa by anyone besides John. Having the opportunity to see the land and wildlife with my family by someone so passionate was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I plan on doing every year. To have a painting of the experience makes the memory even more unforgettable."  
-Mike Meldman, Founder and CEO, Discovery Land Co.


“The painting just reminds me so much of the real thing. It’s the details that count: the wrinkles on the tusk and brow, the clouds of dust rising from the massive feet, the birds scampering to avoid the charge. That’s like the real thing that you would see in Africa.”  
-Richard Childress, President/CEO of Richard Childress Racing


“John Banovich has raised the bar for excellence in wildlife art. His work is among the best in the world. When you read his story, it gives you a deeper respect for the man behind the art and enhances an already unparalleled visual experience.”  
-Dick and Mary Cabela, Founders, Cabela’s – World’s Foremost Outfitter