“Bob Hines: National Wildlife Artist” is the biography of artist Bob Hines. Never heard of him? Me neither. But as an artist I was curious to find out how someone gets such a great job title as “National Wildlife Artist.” The story of Bob Hines’ life, as told by John D. Juriga, is the story of a man who was in the right place at the right time and didn’t let opportunity pass him by. He was a man full of confidence, determination, and talent.
Researching and writing a biography must be a hard task, especially when it is about someone as little well known as Bob Hines. But John D. Juriga took this job seriously and wrote a great book full of details. John’s passion for writing matches Bob’s passion for art. He dove into government personnel records with gusto and came up with tidbits of personality that added greatly to the story and provided a well-rounded vision of Hines’ character.
This isn’t just the story of an artist though. Juriga writes about the dawn of the wildlife conservation movement and how Hines was involved with this effort along with key people such as Rachel Carson. Hines was instrumental in bringing the conservation movement into the public eye through the national Duck Stamp Contest.
I recommend this biography to anyone interested in wildlife art or wildlife conservation. It is an inspiring story about a man living the dream of so many artists, making a full-time living at his art. Plus the book includes many beautiful black and white and color illustrations by Bob Hines. If you don’t know who Bob Hines is, you should get to know him through “Bob Hines: National Wildlife Artist” by John D. Juriga.
Bob Hines: National Wildlife Artist
John D. Juriga
Beaver’s Pond Press (2012)
ISBN 9781592984404
Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (4/12)
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