The Cowan Studio, West Palm Beach, FL (Age 27).

"Intriguing Times"

Istana Nurul Iman,
Bandar Seri Begawan, Negara Brunei Darussalum (August 1, 1985).

Mark graduated from Rider University, NJ in 1982 with a degree in journalism. He was a springboard diver. In the summer of his sophomore year, he attended a one-week sales training course in Nashville, TN. His assigned territory was Arkadelphhia, Arkansas. After a month, he got bored and hitch-hiked back to Pennsylvania. On March 15, 1985, Mark moved to Florida to make a fresh start. On his way to Fort Lauderdale, he made a stop in Palm Beach. There, he was offered a job, so he stayed.

"A few limo rides were had."

Presenting a Cowan Portrait to
Doris Duke at Diamond Head, Hawaii. (December 16, 1988).

Mark helped Cowan produce a book called "A Personal Vision. As publicist, he got Cowan coverage in People magazine, CNN News, AP, UPI, South Florida news, Smithsonian Magazine, "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" with Robin Leach, etc.

H.M. Sheik Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, U.A.E. (October 15, 1989).

It was a rare look at some of the wealthiest people on the planet. Some of them valued Cowan's talent. Some commissioned his portraits as an investment. A quick search on the internet reveals that his paintings are already fetching high prices.

Cowan painted diverse reigning monarchs.

H.M. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei. Photo: Eric Cheromcka

Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, Nepal (February 5, 1987).

After six years of working for Cowan, Mark moved back to Pennsylvania. He got married to his Dutch girlfriend Ingrid. They moved to the Netherlands. Since then, Mark has become fluent in the Dutch language. He has integrated well into their peaceful and fun-loving society.

Abu Simbel, Southern Egypt
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Co. (August 11, 1986).