1989-1990 Wetlands Conservation Stamp Print for Ducks Unlimited mint and signed stamps

James Hautman, an artist from Chaska, Minn., has been named the winner of the 2010 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with this acrylic painting of a pair of white-fronted geese. The painting will be made into the 2011-2012 Federal Duck Stamp, which will go on sale in late June. Hautman previously won the Duck Stamp in 1989, 1994, 1998 and 2008.

In a remarkably short time, Richard has risen to become a leading waterfowl artist. Since 1991, when he won his first duck stamp contest, this self-taught painter has created 23 state stamps — making him the fifth most-awarded duck stamp artist of all time. Richard was selected to paint the 1996 Australian duck stamp, in 1997 he won the New Hampshire contest for the third time, and in 1998 he became the first three-time winner in his home state of Delaware. His work has been displayed at the nation’s finest art shows, including the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and the Oklahoma Wildlife Art Show and he has been Ducks Unlimited artist of the year. A dedicated conservationist, Richard has set aside several acres of family farmland as waterfowl habitat.

In a remarkably short time, Richard has risen to become a leading waterfowl artist. Since 1991 when he won his first duck stamp contest, this self-taught painter has created 23 state stamps—making him the fifth most-awarded duck stamp artist of all time. Richard was selected to paint the 1996 Australian duck stamp, in 1997 he won the New Hampshire contest for the third time, and in 1998 he became the first three-time winner in his home state of Delaware. His work has been displayed at the nation’s finest art shows, including the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and the Oklahoma Wildlife Art Show, and he has been Ducks Unlimited artist of the year. A dedicated conservationist, Richard has set aside several acres of family farmland as waterfowl habitat.

"Widgeon are widespread across the United States," the artist says, "but I find that duck hunters and waterfowl enthusiasts alike have a particular soft spot for them. The patch around the drake's eye is a spectacular green and in flight both drake and hen display the striking contrast of gray throat and burgundy brown breast."