I wanted to take the time to share my thoughts and feelings on how sporting artist such as John P. Cowan and John Dearman have inspired me to follow my outdoor passions.  I still remeber the first time I saw a Cowan painting at a Doctor's office and I was blown away by the detail that made the art seem virtually life like.  I have to honestly say that the reason I became a more passioante sportsman was because of reading stories out of Cowan's book that talked about Dove hunting in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.  He hunted whitewing dove in the 60's down there when the polutaion was extremly healthy.  The first time I saw his book at an outdoor store I purchased it even though it cost $60 dollars it was a must have for me.  I took the time to read every story and take in all the different prints.  The one thing that stands out to me is how I can relate to what he was thinking in his paintings.  I have spent some time in the field and I remeber details that he painted and it is so amazing to me the way he recreates the memories.  But what I truly like about these sporting artist is that they don't focus their attention on one aspect on the outdoors, they pretty much cover it all.  From shallow water wade fishing to chasing blue quail in West Texas.  Another important aspect of their art was that it served a pupose in consevation.  They both really believed in conservation and utilized thier talents to spread the word to encourage conservation.  I have taken the time to share Cowan's book with my son and he was blown away by the stories and artwork.  He actually sat down one night and just spent hours reading and looking at different prints that he created.  I believe this not only educates him about art and wildlife but inspires him to see the great outdoors and a bigger picture then just hunting or fishing.  But as a tool to utilize to get a positive message out to the world.  So I thank you John P. Cowan and John Dearman for the wonderful work of art you produced and for inspiring me as a sportsman to continue to share the love of the outdoors with others. 

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