The winning entry was selected from a field of 20 original paintings submitted by artists from 12 states including seven entries from Ohio. The competition was held on February 19 at the Ohio Ducks Unlimited annual banquet in Sandusky.
"I haven’t painted a mallard in over six years, but I just had a feeling that that species might do well in Ohio," said Crain.
Second place honors go to Douglas Walpus from Tennessee with his painting of snow geese and the third place entry was by Phillip Brevick from Ohio with his painting of mallards.
Last year's winner, Ohioan Joel Rogers, will see his painting of a red-breasted merganser appear on the 2011 wetlands habitat stamp.
Approximately 25,000 Ohio wetland habitat stamps were purchased last year, according to the Division of Wildlife. Proceeds from stamp sales help fund vital wetland habitat restoration projects in Ohio. Such habitats are important to many resident wildlife species including state-endangered trumpeter swans, wetland birds, amphibians and numerous migratory species.
The judges for this year's event included Sharon Cummings, a professional wildlife photographer; Sandy Burris, the president of Friends of Magee Marsh; co-publisher of Birdwatcher’s Digest Andy Thompson; executive director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory Kim Kaufman; and John Simpson, the manager of Winous Point Shooting Club. Rebecca Hinkle, who is employed at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, was the alternate judge.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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