Celebrating Ned Smith: An Iconic Naturalist and Artist

Ned Smith, a self-trained artist, writer, and naturalist, is celebrated as one of the premier nature artists of the 20th century. His work has inspired countless Pennsylvanians to step outside and appreciate the natural world around them. Over a remarkable 46-year career, Smith created thousands of detailed and accurate drawings and paintings of wildlife, emphasizing the critical connection between art and conservation.

Early Life and Inspiration

E. Stanley “Ned” Smith was born on October 9, 1919, in Millersburg, PA, a small town along the Susquehanna River. Raised in a household deeply attuned to nature, with a bird-watching mother and a botanist father, Smith developed a passion for the natural world early on. By the time he completed high school in the 1930s, he was already producing quality wildlife illustrations.

After graduation, Ned married his childhood sweetheart, Marie Reynolds, and worked as a lathe operator in a machine shop to support his family. Despite his full-time job, he continued to draw and paint, spending every spare moment in the field honing his skills as both an observer and an artist.

Rise to Prominence

In 1939, Smith made his first commercial sale—a cover painting for Pennsylvania Angler magazine. This opportunity led to a full-time illustration job with Samworth Publishing, during which the Smiths lived on the Samworth estate in South Carolina. Upon returning to Pennsylvania, Ned became the staff illustrator for the PA Game Commission, marking the beginning of a lifelong association with the state’s wildlife agency.

Ned created nearly 120 cover paintings for Pennsylvania Game News and in the 1960s began writing a monthly column titled “Gone for the Day.” This column, which ran for four years and was later republished in book form, was drawn from his extensive field journals and sketchbooks. His diary-like accounts of encounters with wildlife, paired with his signature style of pen-and-ink drawings and gouache renderings, became a beloved staple for nature enthusiasts.

Freelance Career and Conservation Efforts

In 1953, Ned left the Game Commission to pursue a full-time freelance career, though he continued to collaborate with the agency. His freelance work included long-running columns, articles, and illustrations in prominent publications such as Sports Afield, National Wildlife, Pennsylvania Angler, and National Geographic. Over his career, he illustrated 14 books, including the Peterson Field Guide to Birds’ Nests by Hal Harrison.

In 1983, Smith was honored to create Pennsylvania’s first-ever state duck stamp, a testament to his reputation and skill as a wildlife artist. His work extended beyond illustration; he was also a talented photographer, writer, musician, and inventor. Smith and Marie were avid amateur archaeologists, contributing significant finds to the State Museum in Harrisburg.

Later Years and Legacy

In the late 1970s, Smith began producing fine art prints, working with Sportsman Specialties to publish his work. His final years saw the creation of some of his most popular pieces, including “Waiting for Dusk” and “A Little Bit Cautious.” He also contributed to the Game Commission’s “Working Together for Wildlife” prints and created fundraising pieces for various conservation organizations.

Ned Smith battled heart disease for many years and passed away in 1985 while working in his garden. Since his death, the value of his work has continued to rise, with original paintings and prints commanding high prices.

Marie Smith’s vision to preserve Ned’s legacy led to the creation of the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, which aims to bridge the worlds of art and natural science. The center stands as a testament to Ned Smith’s incredible contributions to art and conservation, continuing to inspire new generations to appreciate and protect the natural world.

To learn more about Ned Smith and his contributions to art and nature, watch the documentary “Ned Smith: Gone for the Day.”