Sportsman’s Quest: Art of the hunt

Hunting requires skill, patience and perseverance. Some even show a talent for the sport, perhaps even developing the chase to the level of an art form, but the art form I’m referring to in this column is of the paint-and-canvas variety.

Our recent outdoor conventions and banquets were an ideal place to view, enjoy and even buy works from some of the greatest outdoor and wildlife artists. We are fortunate to have many of these national and international events in Las Vegas.

At the recent Safari Club International (SCI) convention, I once again visited with Trevor Swanson and saw some of his latest work. His Antelope and Quail series, in particular, caught my attention and had me checking my credit cards. They looked like they could walk off the canvas. See more at www.trevorswanson.com

At the same convention I met and made a new friend of Seerey Lester. Several of his paintings are hanging in my den and I have a collection of his “coffee table” books, but until this event I’d never had the opportunity to meet him. Now I’m even more impressed with his new series depicting Theodore Roosevelt, the cowboy hunter, and his hunting adventures in Africa, South America and in the northern regions of United States, especially the Dakotas, Montana and Wyoming. They were show-stoppers and can be seen on his website www.seerey-lester.com.

Artist Michael Sieve is an old friend and one of the best is also well represented in my home and I look forward to visiting his gallery in Minnesota. He has also been busy this year traveling and at conventions. My all-time favorite is his “Desert Kings” depicting a group of Desert Bighorns which was conceived while we were on a scouting trip in the local Spring Mountains. He got it right and the realism is as clear as the day we happened on these magnificent animals.

Michael’s series on tiger hunting from elephant back during India’s historic Raj period is also remarkable as are his historical pieces on market hunting during the 1800s. His “Ivory Hunter” depicting an African ivory hunter also stopped me in my tracks at a convention a few years ago. See this and more of his work at www.michaelsieve.com.

Wild Wings at www.wildwings.com represents Michael and many well known artists and is another great source for outstanding outdoor art.

These and many other world-class artists are available to discuss their works or just visit and share hunting and adventure stories at one of the many outdoor conventions (Google hunting and fishing organizations or wildlife artists for more).

Another great source of wildlife art are monthly periodicals. Two of my favorites showcasing art are: Sporting Classics and Sports Afield magazines. Most outdoor organizations also have their own member magazines. All are valuable resources and worth the membership or subscription fee.

Like the written words of Hemingway, Ruark and Selous, these artists and others can come as close to the real thing as possible to making you feel you are there and in the moment.

If you have a story or comment about this or other articles, please contact me at dansimmons@usa.net or give me a call at 775-727-9777.

Dan Simmons is a Pahrump resident and an avid outdoorsman.