John A. Ruthven’s masterful blending of style and knowledge infuses the canvas with life-like quality and he has brought the world some of the most beautiful and truthful works of wildlife art known today.A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, John A. Ruthven returned to his hometown after serving in World War II. He graduated from the Cincinnati Art Academy and the Jack Storey Central Academy of Commercial Art. He then opened a commercial art studio.Along with William Zimmerman, another Cincinnati artist, he produced "Top Flight," a unique field guide and speed index to North American waterfowl. It contains over 263 full color reproductions that represent hundreds of hours of work. While the book was in preparation the authors received the full cooperation of the ornithology departments of the University of Cincinnati, Cornell University, the Chicago Natural History Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution.In 1960, he won the Federal Duck Stamp competition, and from that time many other wildlife art recognitions. Ruthven also won the Lithographer's Association Award for designing the Famous Figureheads series which was placed in the National Mariners Museum in Washington, D. C. He was also chosen to create the Ducks Unlimited Certificate of Merit for 1967.His varied interests are reflected in the list of organizations he has joined. He is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association, past member of the Cincinnati Art Club and Art Director's Club and Past President of the Cincinnati Artist's Guild. He is also a member of the Cincinnati Bird Club, the American Ornithological Union, and the National Audubon Society. In 1966 he was selected for membership in the exclusive Society of Animal Artists in New York City. Good