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Question: Simon Combes Biography
Answer: A Life Lived in the Bush
Simon Combes (1940–2004) was more than a wildlife artist; he was a child of the African soil. Born in England but raised on a ranch in Kenya's Great Rift Valley, Combes’ "no-smoke" approach to art was forged during his time as an officer in the Kenya Regiment. He spent his formative years tracking wildlife not for sport, but for survival and stewardship. This intimate knowledge of animal behavior—the twitch of a leopard’s tail or the heavy breath of a Cape Buffalo—translated into paintings that captured the "soul" of the bush. A tireless conservationist, Combes served as the Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service, using his art to fund the protection of the very landscapes he painted. His tragic passing in 2004 during a hiking accident in Kenya marked the end of an era, but his work remains the definitive visual record of the East African wilderness.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have specialized in the African masterworks of Simon Combes for 40 years. Our collection is a vetted selection of Vetted Consignments and Vetted Dealer Networks, specifically targeting his sold-out Greenwich Workshop "Great Cats" and "Anniversary" releases. Because Combes was an artist who worked in both traditional lithography and modern giclee, our vetting process ensures that you are acquiring the specific edition size and technical format that matches your collection’s archival standards. |
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Question: Why is Simon Combes considered the "Artist of the Bush"?
Answer: Combes lived the life he painted. He didn't just visit Africa on safari; he lived in the Rift Valley for over 60 years. His work is technically "vetted" by his own experience as a tracker and soldier. For a collector, a Combes painting like Serious Intent or The Watering Hole offers a level of biological and environmental accuracy that few other wildlife artists can match. |
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Question: What is the significance of his "Anniversary Fine Art Canvases"?
Answer: Following his passing in 2004, Greenwich Workshop released a series of Anniversary Canvases for his most iconic images like Simba and Solitary Hunter. These are produced in extremely small editions (often only 45 or 50 pieces) and are highly sought after on the secondary market. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify these editions to ensure they carry the proper estate stamps or authorized signatures. |
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Question: Why are his panoramic paper lithographs so valuable?
Answer: Combes was a master of the "long view," as seen in Wildebeest Migration and The Watering Hole. These paper lithographs were produced in the 1980s and early 90s using a high-fidelity offset process. His market remains "Blue Chip" for wildlife collectors; while original oils have realized over $30,000 at Christie’s and Sotheby’s, his rare, out-of-print paper editions maintain steady secondary market demand due to their cinematic scale. |
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Question: How do "Vetted Consignment" and "Vetted Dealer Network" listings differ?
Answer: At Herndon Fine Art, we deal only in facts. Vetted Consignments are prints sourced from private individuals that we have physically inspected for paper integrity and signature clarity. Vetted Dealer Network listings come from our partners who specialize in African wildlife art. Regardless of the source, our 40-year reputation stands behind the authenticity of every Simon Combes piece. |
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Question: What is the Feb 22, 2026 result for a Combes print?
Answer: Combes (1940–2004) was a master of African wildlife art. On Feb 22, 2026, a 1992 Lookout Greenwich Workshop print realized a steady estimate. His "Lion" giclees (like Simba) are high-demand items, often retailing for $200–$500. |
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Question: Why is his "Kenya Great Rift Valley" background important?
Answer: Combes grew up on a farm in Kenya. This "Observer from the Bush" status gives his work a technical accuracy (anatomical and behavioral) that academic artists often lack. This "Fact-Based" detail is his primary market driver. |
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Question: How do his "Limited Edition Lithographs" perform?
Answer: Works like Midday Sun and Bushwhacker (numbered out of 850) are very liquid. As of 2026, sets of three or more are realizing strong interest at estate auctions. Always verify the Greenwich Workshop COA. |
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Question: Why should I consult with Herndon Fine Art for a Simon Combes purchase?
Answer: Because many of Combes' paper prints are now 30+ years old, condition is the primary driver of value. We use our 40 years of experience to check for "foxing" or sun-fading on his delicate savanna palettes. We don't do "shopping cart" sales; we want to talk with you directly to discuss the specific habitat depicted and the history of the edition. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25 % above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
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Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
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