John Banovich (b.1964) is an American oil painter known internationally for his large, dramatic portrayals of iconic wildlife. Today, Banovich’s work can be found in museum, corporate and private collections.While Banovich is most closely associated with African species, namely elephants, lions, leopards, cape buffalo and rhinoceros—he’s been to Africa three dozen times on research trips—he has also won accolades for his realistic interpretations of Siberian tigers, Chinese pandas, and North American megafauna (such as grizzly and polar bears, bison, and puma).Born in Butte, Montana, Banovich emerged as a talent to watch two decades ago when his paintings were selected “Best of Show” two consecutive years at the Pacific Rim Art Expo, then the premier showcase for wildlife art in the world. Since then, Banovich’s work has appeared in many prestigious venues, including the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s Birds in Art show, the Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, the Salmagundi Club, traveling exhibitions sponsored by the Society of Animal Artists and showcases hosted by Safari Club International and Dallas Safari Club.Further, a selection of his finest pieces were recently featured in an elegant coffee-table picture book, “Beast: The Collected Work of John Banovich.”Stuart Johnson, owner of Settler’s West Gallery in Tucson, Arizona and co-founder of the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, considers Banovich to be among the top wildlife artists of his generation.Besides achieving uncommon popularity among collectors seeking originals and giclée canvas reproductions offered in limited edition, Banovich has tried to be a wildlife art innovator in using his paintings to raise awareness about imperiled species.He attracted global attention for his unprecedented 10 X 10-foot square, life-sized painting of an African elephant, titled , “Once Upon A Time,” completed to help draw attention to the growing plague of ivory poaching.

“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 BanovichThe Banovich Wildscapes Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3) organization fostering cooperative efforts to conserve the earth's wildlife and wild places benefiting the wildlife and the people that live there.BWF supports a total of twelve projects in seven countries. A portion of the sale of Banovich limited edition giclée canvases and Wild Accents benefit the foundation.Founded in 2007 by John Banovich, BWF 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.