Eric Greene of Mobile, Ala., is the winner of this year’s Alabama Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest with his painting of a pair of wood ducks. The winning artwork will be used as the design of the 2019-20 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp, which is required for licensed hunters when pursuing waterfowl in Alabama.
Originally, Greene’s painting placed second, but after careful examination of all rules pertaining to the contest, his artwork was chosen as first place.
Barbara Keel Lunsford of Auburn, Ala., took second place with her painting of a pair of wood ducks. Third place went to Ralph Taylor of Phenix City, Ala., who also painted wood ducks.
The experience of viewing the vibrant and multi-colored duck in the wild is what drew Greene to the subject of his winning artwork.
“I chose wood ducks because a pair had been landing in my pond each morning, so I decided why not make them the subjects of my painting,” he said. “Also, woodies are so colorful most wildlife artists enjoy painting them.”
Greene has entered the contest in previous years, but this is the first time he has landed in the top spot. He was first runner-up in 2002 and placed third in 2017.
A self-taught artist who has been painting for decades, Greene recently picked up some pointers from federal waterfowl stamp art contest winner and two-time winner of the state contest, William C. Morris.
“I’ve been painting as a hobby off and on for approximately 30 years,” Greene said. “I’m pretty much self-taught; however, I have had some help in the past year from Mr. Morris. He is a true master painter and is admired by many. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to know him and to paint with him.”
Entries were judged on suitability for reproduction as a stamp, originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and general rendering. The designs were limited to living species of North American migratory ducks or geese. Winning species from the past three years – American Wigeon, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal – were not eligible subjects for the contest this year.
Representing the field of art was Lynn Schmidt, Chair of the Art Department at Wallace Community College in Dothan, Ala. Representing the field of ornithology was John Trent, Wildlife Biologist with the Alabama State Lands Division. Representing the field of conservation was John Earle, Refuge Manager at Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge.
Since 1978, the Alabama Waterfowl Stamp Art Contest has helped conserve waterfowl habitat and foster a connection with the outdoors. The annual contest is sponsored by the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) and is open to resident Alabama artists only.
“Seeing ducks in the wild is a reminder of the importance of state and federal conservation efforts,” said Seth Maddox, WFF Migratory Game Bird Coordinator. “When someone purchases a waterfowl stamp they are ensuring that future generations of hunters and bird-watchers can continue seeing these animals in the wild.”
For more information about the contest, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
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