From the widely acclaimed and award winning nature artist, Daniel Smith, comes the exciting and hauntingly beautiful 2008 Print of the Year, “Cold Plunge.”  Known for his extraordinary attention to lifelike detail, Smith provides a chilling yet serene effect using icy colored hues and contrasts of light and dark; sunlight lines the grizzly on the left whereas the right is covered with a dark and hazy ocean mist.  The surrounding sea seems to engulf the entire creature, as he looks to the horizon to catch one last glimpse of sunshine on his face before he takes another refreshing dip into the arctic waters.  The detail of the water on his fur and the glacial look on his face create a cold and distant emotion while the illuminating sunlight provides warmth and connotes happiness.  Together, these two distinct elements symbolize the dynamics of natural wonders.  In this way, Smith captures a glimpse into wildlife and draws the viewer into the scene, as if he or she is right there.  Friends of NRA has reproduced this painting as a giclée on canvas stretched and printed with fade resistant inks.  Each giclée comes framed in an espresso walnut frame with an oatmeal liner.  Image size measures 24 x 12 inches and 30.25 x 18.25 inches with the frame.  Each piece is signed by the artist, numbered to 1,150 and framed in the USA.