"The Island" by John P. Cowan

Signed, Limited Edition 39 of 80, Artist Proof,

Collectors Covey 1995

John P. “Jack” Cowan was a long-time Rockport resident considered the “Grandfather” of the Texas Gulf Coast Sporting and Wildlife School of Art.   With Herb Booth and Al Barnes, “The Rockport Gang,” he supported many early environmental groups, including the Coastal Conservation Association and Ducks Unlimited.   He and his son-in-law Joe Allen were instrumental in passing Texas legislation to protect redfish for future generations.  He was named Texas State Artist in 1978-1979.  His paintings are in many important art collections, including that of former President George W. Bush, with whom he fished and who he painted at San Jose Island.

His notes on “The Island” print available in the auctions:

“I was pulled up on Mud Island one day, studying my navigation chart, when I noticed a group of Canada geese loafing along fairly low, making their way up San Jose Island against a light norther.  I looked at the chart, then the geese, then the chart, and an idea began to gel.  That chart indicated that Mud Island almost intersects the big island at about 45 degrees.  If I could get above Mud Island and look east into a nice sunrise, the smaller island would make a graceful lead-in element to the larger island, with its interesting ranch-house complex, runway, and harbor.  Even the gulf beyond would probably show.  The Canadas, always a graphic bird, could be the dominant element and symbolize the big island’s abundant wildlife….Ideas for paintings sometimes start in strange paces.”

Size 32"x26"