Quiet Water by Gary Winders
2021, oil on canvas, 13'' x 18''
2021 Maine Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Design
It is a privilege to participate in Maine’s Duck Stamp program and support conservation efforts in Maine by creating original art work to be used on the stamps. The process of creating the painting begins the day the subject is announced for the contest. I begin by thinking about composition, backgrounds, number of ducks and whether they would be in flight or on the water. This year I utilized my experience of seeing Long Tailed Ducks at Schoodic Peninsula and in a cove near Blue Hill. Drawing upon these memories I combined them with photographic reference and set about creating this years painting. I used oils on canvas and it took just under four months to complete the painting. I love the challenge of designing a stamp and I love being able to support conservation in Maine in this way.
I am publishing a limited edition of 225 prints of the winning design. They are printed on 12 x 14 acid free paper and the image size is 6.5 x 9. The prints may be ordered through my store. Also, 5 x 7 note cards of the winning design are available.
Early Flight
2019, oil on canvas, 13'' x 18''
2019 Maine Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Design 2nd Place Winner
Prints and Cards Available
Red Breasted Merganser
2020, oil on canvas,
13” x 18”
Original Available
On Watch
2017, oil on canvas
15.5'' x 19.5''
Original Available
About the maine Migratory Waterfowl stamp
In 1984, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife instituted a state duck stamp program modeled loosely after the federal duck stamp program: the stamp was required by hunters 16 years and older, and all revenues from the sale of duck stamps (about $13,000 - $16,000 annually) are dedicated to the conservation and management of waterfowl in Maine.
In 2002, MDIFW discontinued the duck stamp requirement of hunters, but instead required the purchase of a waterfowl hunting permit on the hunting license.
Duck stamps still are available for purchase by collectors, and revenues from the sales of both the stamp and the waterfowl hunting authority are dedicated to waterfowl conservation programs in Maine.
maine Migratory Waterfowl stamp recent winners
2021, Gary Winders
2020, Rebekah Lowell
2019, Rick Alley, Jr.
2018, Johanna Hoffman
2017, Rebekah Lowell
2016, Rick Alley Jr.
There is a wonderful documentary about the Federal Duck Stamp program called The Million Dollar Duck. Maine’s Migratory Waterfowl Stamp is loosely modeled after the Federal Duck Stamp. The Federal Duck Stamp has raised more than $1.1 Billion to protect over 6 million acres of wetlands habitat on national wildlife refuges around the nation.
Heading Down Stream
2016, Acrylic on Arches paper, 13'' x 18''
Limited Edition Prints Available
Over the Reach
2018, Oil on Canvas,
13'' x 18''
Original Available