Leslie C. Kouba, wildlife artist, was a self-made man who described himself as 52 percent businessman and 48 percent artist. "I've made my way in this world by following three principles: First, pick the thing you like to do best; then, learn everything you can about it; and finally, be willing to work harder than anyone else in that field. Kouba's secret to success: work. It's that simple."

Les Kouba loved the public. If you happen by the American Wildlife Galleries in the Plymouth Building on Sixth Street in downtown Minneapolis, there is a good chance you could have met him. He's the guy who wore confidence like a second set of clothes. His gray hair was slicked straight back off the forehead. His trifocal glasses perched on his n...