Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 47 TELL US WHAT YOU ARE WORKING ON THIS WINTER. I am currently working on several large commissions. I always appreciate a client who reaches past the ordinary into extraordinary. I have the unique privilege to make two artworks for a client who is building a house that is made almost entirely out of glass. e walls, the ceiling, the doors, everything is glass with the exception of two opposing stone fireplaces which will accommodate the two paintings. e paintings will be the focal point of the estate and celebrate the beauty of flight — one painting will feature a covey of flushing quail and the other shows a flock of flushing ducks taking off from the water. I am also working on new paintings to be included in my upcoming museum exhibition, "John Banovich: e African Lion" at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno, Nevada. e body of work will span nearly 25 years and focus on the African Lion, exploring questions about mankind's deep fear, love, and admiration for these great creatures. Opening June 10 through August 27, 2017. Recently I returned from a trip to Africa with Ernest Sabine, the designer of some of the most stylish bags and menswear fashion in America, "Ernest Alexander." Coupling rich leathers and precise and practical design, each piece is thoughtfully and beautifully created. During our travels we discussed a col- laboration to create a Banovich line of luxury travel bags and clothing inspired by my artwork and African adventures. In the precious few moments away from the easel I am thrilled to be bringing this concept to fruition with the goal to have the first bag produced and available early next year. HOW AND WHEN DID YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY BEGIN? My journey began in many ways at age seven when I completed my first oil painting titled, Meeting of the Gang, featuring Rudyard Kipling's e Jungle Book characters. I have always been enchanted and intrigued by exotic animals. WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES OF BEING DRAWN TO PAINTING AS A LIFETIME ENDEAVOR? My eldest sister, Teri, was instrumental in my introduction to painting. Despite my young age, she took it upon herself to teach me how to paint with oil paints, which is a sophisticated medium for an artist of any age. I wanted to make my work come to life, as if it was poised between heartbeats. Later in my artistic journey I learned about the art of the brush and paint. I adopted a "less is more," approach and honed my ability to paint the essence of things rather than a literal interpretation. After 44 years of painting animals, I am still in pursuit of their essence. HOW DID YOU COME ABOUT WILDLIFE AS YOUR LIFE-LONG SUBJECT MATTER? Painting animals allows me to fall into a rhythmic dance. ey are living, breathing, and awe-inspiring creatures. Painting a wild beast makes me feel as if I am paying homage to them. Grizzly Encounter II John Banovich is a world-renowned artist, deeply inspired by wildlife. His over 850 artworks have won awards and been exhibit- ed in museums and noteworthy collections all over the globe. Here he paints in his Montana studio. WWW.JOHNBANOVICH.COM UPCOMING WINTER SHOWS JANUARY 7 – 10 Dallas Safari Club Convention JANUARY 15 – 17 Houston Safari Club Convention FEBRUARY 3 – 6 Safari Club International Convention, Las Vegas, NV FEBRUARY 12 – 14 Southeast Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, SC

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