John Ruthven

Wildlife artist
2004 National Medal of Arts Recipient
Georgetown, Ohio
President George W. and Laura Bush with John Ruthven

President George W. Bush and Laura Bush present the National Medal of Arts award to John Ruthven. White House photo by Susan Sterner.

Bio

Citation: For his impeccably accurate and unfailingly beautiful wildlife art, and in recognition of his contributions as an artist and naturalist to conserving our natural treasures. John A. Ruthven, naturalist, author, lecturer, and internationally acknowledged master of wildlife art is often called the “20th Century Audubon.” Ruthven uses the same techniques as his famous predecessor. After studying and researching his subject thoroughly, he sketches to rigid specifications then renders the original painting with great detail. His fascination with nature began as a young boy in Cincinnati. After serving in World War II, he entered the Cincinnati Art Academy. He opened a commercial art studio in 1946 with the goal of building a career in wildlife art. In 1960 he entered the Federal Duck Stamp competition and won with his Redhead Ducks. In 1971 Ruthven founded Wildlife Internationale’, Inc. to publish and distribute his limited edition prints. Ruthven was recognized as Duck’s Unlimited First Artist of the Year, First Ohio Duck Stamp Artists, and First Ohio Animal Stamp/Print Artist. His paintings have been included in acclaimed exhibitions such as The Artist of America Exhibition in Denver, Colorado and the Society of Animal Artist, a traveling museum exhibition included at the Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum in Oradell, New Jersey. Museums featuring his work include the Smithsonian Institution’s Preservation and Research Center; Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin; the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, Jamestown, New York; and the Cincinnati Museum Center where a major retrospective exhibit of his work, “John A. Ruthven - In the Audubon Tradition,” was mounted. Unveilings of original paintings have taken place at The White House; the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia; the President’s Palace in the Philippines, for Crown Prince Henri in Luxemborg, at the Neil Armstrong Space Museum, and the Ohio State Capital Rotunda. Among the corporate offices featuring his work are Proctor & Gamble, the Cincinnatti Bengals, John Deere & Company, and the WILDS - International Center for the Preservation of Wild Animals to name a few.