John Banovich 2025 Collection
2025 Collection
John Banovich 2025 Collection
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John Banovich 2025 Collection
"I say that I didn’t choose animals; the animals chose me. Painting animals allows me to fall into a rhythmic dance with the living, breathing, and awe-inspiring creatures. They pull me in with the presence of life and I feel privileged to capture their story."
John Banovich
A Personal Message from John Banovich
Hi Friends.
Some of you have heard this before, but I'm the luckiest guy in the world. Because every day I get to leap out of bed and do the thing that I know, without a doubt, I was put on this earth to do. I would do it if I had to pay money to do it, and I would do it if it was illegal. With that privilege comes a huge responsibility to give you the very best every day.
I'm interested in telling a profound story, the kind that Charlie Russell was capturing of the West; a diminishing time when wildlife roams free in an unencumbered ecosystem. When I see a lion in the field and I'm sketching it, it can walk to Morocco or Cape Town, that is what we call an open system. That time is coming to an end and I feel a huge responsibility and motivation to get the story right. And how do you get the story right? It is time in the field. I’ve watched wildlife every year, for thousands of hours and traveling for at least a third of each year. By traveling and interacting, you get to the soul and character and you begin to understand what it is that makes an animal be so extraordinary and such an evolutionary marvel.
I go and watch, take a few photos, but mostly I sketch and observe. I spend time in their presence, letting them do what they do and try to pull out just the essence of that story and tell it through my paintings. It is through these adventures and field encounters that I am immersed in the communities, culture and ecosystems that coexist with “big things with big teeth.” From swimming with elephants to lying in water to watch lions interact on a giraffe carcass I get a glimpse into the ancient mystery in the eyes of the beast. I think it is what takes me from an illustrator to an artist and a documentarian to a storyteller.
This year I was in Bhutan and as a guest of the Bhutan government, I created a commission for the Queen of Bhutan and presented it to her at the first Tiger Summit for Sustainable Finance. Afterwards, the Queen and the King invited a few of us for tea in their spectacular palace. Interacting with them and learning about their vision for conservation, their own vision of a future, a sustainable future was very inspiring.
It is from the inspiration of those moments that big scale projects, like this large commission behind me, “In the Land of Giants”, are born. I paint three to five private commissions every year. Then I let decades of interactions flood into my mind and create paintings from moments that may have just occurred or some that I have thought about for many years and that's the collection I produce every year.
I want to say thank you for your support of my work. Thank you for the support of our foundation. We're doing some great work in great countries making a tangible difference translocations, restorations, research and supporting local communities to benefit from the presence of wildlife versus wildlife being an economic burden.
Lastly, thank you for supporting our travel company. With meteoric growth, so many incredible destinations and an amazing South African based travel team, we have been able to foster immersive experiences and profound personal connections across the globe. As always, I invite you to join us on an amazing journey that will leave you with the feeling that because you were there, you left it in a better place.
So come out to the shows, see us, say hello and again from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support.
John Banovich
"I'm interested in telling a profound story, the kind that Charlie Russell was capturing of the West;
a diminishing time when wildlife roams free
in an unencumbered ecosystem."
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We invite you to view the 2025 Collection below.
John Banovich
King of the Falls, 2024
oil on Belgian linen
12h x 16w in
30.48h x 40.64w x 1.91d cm
Framed: 18.25h x 22.25w x 1d in
46.36h x 56.52w x 2.54d cm
JBO1253
$ 13,000.00
In this painting, I wanted to capture a moment of raw intensity in the African wilderness. A powerful lion strides through the golden grass, his sharp gaze locked on something unseen, as if deciding his next move. Behind him, the thundering Victoria Falls adds drama and energy, its mist rising into the air. Lush palm fronds frame the scene, drawing attention to the lion’s commanding presence. Overhead, two birds glide effortlessly, bringing a sense of balance to the tension below. This piece reflects the beauty of Africa, where every moment feels alive with possibility.
John Banovich
The Veterans, 2024
oil on Belgian linen
8h x 10w in
20.32h x 25.40w x 1.91d cm
JBO1270
$ 6,700.00
This painting captures the essence of three imposing Cape buffaloes, each boasting horns well over 40 inches, with one distinguished by a broken horn. Their stance exudes a confidence tempered with the aloof arrogance that only the most seasoned "dagga boys" can possess. These buffalo are the epitome of strength and experience, displaying the raw power that comes with age and survival in the wild. Revered by international hunters, these majestic creatures symbolize the pinnacle of their kind, representing the very best Africa has to offer.
John Banovich
Going Belly Deep, 2024
oil on Belgian linen
16h x 20w in
40.64h x 50.80w cm
Framed: 23.50h x 27.50w x 2.75d in
59.69h x 69.85w x 6.99d cm
JBO1243
$ 18,900.00
"Going Belly Deep" captures the tension of a herd of zebras at the edge of a waterhole in Africa, where danger lurks beneath the surface. The zebras, unaware of exactly when or where, face the threat of crocodile-infested waters. Some stand belly deep, cautiously scanning the water, while others rush toward the waterhole, hesitant yet driven by thirst. The scene captures the natural tension as the animals navigate the danger that hides beneath the surface. With no background distractions, the focus is entirely on the zebras and the lurking danger, emphasizing the tense balance between survival and risk in the wild.
John Banovich
After the Short Rains, 2024
oil on Belgian linen
14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w x 1.91d cm
JBO1268
$ 8,200.00
This is a painting I’ve wanted to create for a while, capturing the December rains that bring a lush green carpet, nourishing everything each year. As the Serengeti begins to awaken with various shades of green, this bull elephant basks in the fresh glow, soaking in the rays of the sun breaking through the dark sky. The clouds peel back, revealing a kaleidoscope of colors that made this one of my most enjoyable paintings of the year.
John Banovich
Last of the Big Tuskers, 2024
oil on Belgian linen
11h x 23w x 1d in
27.94h x 58.42w x 2.54d cm
JBO1267
$ 15,900.00
This painting was inspired by many trips to the Kilimanjaro region in Kenya and Tanzania, where the mountain often stands proud and shines brightly in the late afternoon sun. This is an area where the largest remaining tuskers live, many of them with tusks weighing over 100 pounds each. These big tuskers move between Kenya and Tanzania, and their relationship with the people is deeply connected to the land. The painting honors these magnificent elephants, a reminder of the importance of conserving them for future generations, so that we can all continue to enjoy the majesty of these kings of the wild.
John Banovich
Chui, 2024
oil on Belgian linen
20h x 16w x 1d in
50.80h x 40.64w x 2.54d cm
JBO1265
$ 18,900.00
In "Chui," I wanted to capture the quiet intensity that leopards embody. Their gaze is steady, and I aimed to reflect that stillness and quiet power in this piece. As I painted each spot and detail, I felt a deep appreciation for the leopard’s ability to blend strength with elegance. The name "Chui," meaning leopard in Swahili, felt fitting – simple yet full of the spirit of the wild. I hope this painting draws you into that same moment I experienced, face-to-face with one of nature’s most graceful and mysterious predators.
John Banovich
Snowmen, 2023
oil on Belgian linen
30h x 30w in
76.20h x 76.20w cm
Framed: 37.75h x 38w x 3d in
95.89h x 96.52w x 7.62d cm
JBO1203
$ 47,000.00
The title "Snowmen" not only nods to the snowy environment but also conveys the idea that the bison have become an integral part of this frozen realm, standing as testament to nature's remarkable ability to shape and mold life in its own image. At the forefront of the composition stands the central bison, a sentinel of strength in the snow-covered expanse. This serves as a focal point, embodying the power and resilience that define these creatures, while also reflecting the fluctuating dynamics that shape their herds. As seasons transition, the bison herds shift between aggregations and segregations, mirroring the ebb and flow of life's cycles. Three magpies take flight overhead, their silhouettes adding an element of movement and life to the stillness of the landscape that serve as both companions and symbols to survival in the harshest of winter conditions.
John Banovich
Tarpon at Dusk, 2025
oil on Belgian linen
11h x 14w in
27.94h x 35.56w cm
JBO1271
$ 6,900.00
"Tarpon at Dusk" is the first study in my research for a large commissioned series capturing the essence of tarpon fishing. This piece reflects the quiet beauty of evening, as the sun dips below the horizon and casts a warm glow across the water. Dusk, the most peaceful time of day, gently settles in while the water calms and the world transitions into night.I aimed to highlight the captivating moment when a tarpon breaks the surface, with the fading sunlight catching the ripples and reflecting off its sleek form. The painting conveys the fleeting magic of twilight, when the water is alive with subtle movements beneath and the last light of day lingers on the horizon. This piece begins an exploration into the serene yet powerful experience of sport fishing at dusk.
John Banovich
Ptesan-Wi (White Bison), 2024
oil on Belgian linen
11h x 14w in
27.94h x 35.56w cm
Framed: 17.25h x 20.25w x 1d in
43.82h x 51.44w x 2.54d cm
JBO1246
$ 9,400.00
The painting "Ptesan-Wi" depicts a lone white bison standing majestically against a rugged landscape. In the sky above, clouds form shapes resembling spirit bisons, suggesting the presence of ancestral spirits watching over the scene. I encountered this bison on my way back from central Montana this year, on the same day my wife received notice that she was cancer-free following her skin cancer surgery. Seeing the white bison right after that call (for the first time in my life) was truly an unforgettable experience that left me feeling profoundly blessed to witness such a rare sight. "Ptesan-Wi" translates to "White Buffalo Calf Woman," a revered figure in Lakota culture who brought spiritual teachings and the sacred pipe to the people. The white bison, a rare and sacred animal, symbolizes hope and renewal. The painting invites viewers to reflect on the spiritual significance of the white bison and the legacy it holds for those to whom it was so sacred.
John Banovich
Because of the Lessons From My Father, 2024
oil on Belgian linen
30h x 40w in
76.20h x 101.60w cm
JBO1244
$ 52,000
This painting is a very personal one as it's a testament to not only my father, but all of the fathers that have passed before us and the gifts they have given us in the lessons they have taught their sons and daughters. These lessons are directly contributed to the good things that we have in our lives today.
As I painted this lion family, I was drawn to the harmony within their pride. The dominant male sits at the center, his powerful presence grounding the scene, while the lionesses and cubs gather around him in quiet comfort. His relaxed yet watchful gaze reflects a protector’s instinct, while the playful cub learns by staying close. In the distance, the ever-present pulse of the savanna hums along, with herds grazing under the expansive sky. The skull in the foreground serves as a lesson in resilience and the cycle that shapes all who walk this land.
This piece is my way of honoring the quiet yet commanding role fathers play, guiding without words, showing strength not just through might but through patience and love.
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PRIOR PAINTINGS
We are pleased to offer a prior painting for sale at the shows this year. Over the last decade we have provided an art consulting and resale service to clients whose lives are changing. With decades of experience we assist in the valuation, advisement and placement of art in private and public collections or in some recent instances, raising funds for vital projects we support in Africa through our Banovich Wildscapes Foundation. It has been our pleasure to assure clients that their investment in John Banovich originals is preserved, should their life or purpose change.
John Banovich, Simba, (detail)
John Banovich
Simba, 2003
oil on Belgian linen
30h x 42w in
76.20h x 106.68w cm
JBO521
$ 36,000
In this painting, "Simba," a powerful male lion walks through tall, golden grass, his body low and focused as if approaching something in the distance. His deep, amber eyes are fixed forward, radiating intensity and purpose. His mane, full and dark, sways gently with each deliberate step, blending into the rich hues of the savannah. The sunlight catches the contours of his muscular body as he moves forward, the grass brushing against his legs, partially concealing him in the landscape. The painting captures not just the lion's physical power but also the quiet determination and control of a king in his domain, fully aware of the balance between predator and prey.
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To be sold at the 2025 53nd Annual Hunters' Convention in Nashville.
John Banovich
Titan, 2025
oil on Belgian linen
24h x 36w in
60.96h x 91.44w cm
JBO1263
$ 35,000
Sepia has always carried a unique significance, a sense of timelessness and nostalgia. In this piece, I aim to strip away color, allowing the raw emotion and spirit of the elephant to emerge from the depths of light and dark.
The earthy tones mirror the landscapes of Africa, reflecting the warmth of the savanna, the dust carried by the wind, and the ancient connection between the land and the animals that inhabit it. Africa is a place of contrasts—sun and shadow, vastness and detail—and this tonal palette echoes those elements. By working in sepia, I distill the essence of the African elephant and capture its soulful presence.
This piece is a deeply personal passion, connecting to the core of what Africa represents to me: timeless beauty, strength, and the delicate balance between nature and survival. The elephant’s power and grace will emerge through sepia’s enduring tones, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the beauty of Africa's wildlife.
PRIVATE COMMISSIONS
"I feel deeply privileged to have been commissioned by a wonderful family to create this painting for such a momentous celebratory occasion, honoring the profound experiences that inspired it."
John Banovich
John Banovich, In The Land of Giants, 2024, oil on Belgian linen, 64h x 172w in
"In the Land of Giants" is a painting that has been years in the making. The idea began in 2009 during my time in Africa's Okavango Delta, where I closely studied elephants at water level. In fact, I even went swimming with them where I was observing their social bonds and familial roles—like a mirror of human relationships.
The inspiration truly took hold in 2019 when I envisioned this painting of an elephant herd emerging from the Mapani Forest and walking into the Kwai River. Though I didn’t see this exact herd, it felt like they were the ones I had been dreaming of, and I knew the painting had to be on a grand scale to reflect the profound experience.
I remember sketching out the concept, working through all the relationships between the elephants, and visualizing how they’d move together through the landscape. This wasn’t just a scene—it was a story about family. The process was intense, with long days spent capturing every wrinkle and detail of the elephants, each telling a story of age and wisdom.
As I painted, I envisioned the elephants stepping out of the shadows, leaving the forest behind and walking into the light. In the painting, they are joined by other species—ringneck doves, an impala herd, woolly-neck storks, dwarf mongooses, and a pair of spurfowl—each adding layers of life and depth. This isn’t just a scene; it’s a story of an extended family of elephants and a world teeming with life and countless stories, all captured in every brushstroke.
I feel deeply privileged to have been commissioned by a wonderful family to create this painting for such a momentous celebratory occasion, honoring the profound experiences that inspired it.
