Sometimes, rarely, I find enjoyment in nature without setting foot outside. I had just such an experience this morning as I enjoyed the honor of being a judge of the 2010 California Junior Duck Stamp Competition.
Held in Willows, California, myself and five distinguished judges representing State and Federal wildlife agencies were treated to over 1700 pieces of art created by students from kindergarten to high school senior age from throughout the state.
Artists could choose from any North American species of duck, goose or swan and many chose colorful species not normally seen in our area including Long-tailed Ducks, Harlequin Ducks, King Eider, even the endangered Hawaiian Nene Goose and Central American Masked Duck. Most common subjects were the ornate Wood Duck and the ubiquitous Mallard. The majority of the pieces featured poses typically seen in waterfowl art: flying, landing, feeding, swimming and preening; standouts for me were works featuring detailed head shots, juvenile birds or posterior views.
Age groups were divided into K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Within each age set works were systematically narrowed down until three first, second and third place pieces were identified along with sixteen honorable mentions. At the culmination of the judging all first place works were judged against one another to determine ‘best of show’. This years honor went to a Union City youth for his watercolor of Fulvous Whistling Ducks.
Every drawing, sketch and painting was terrific, from the more basic illustrations of the kindergartners to the incredibly life-like or beautifully stylized watercolors and oils of the older students. Many of the winners were students of private art-schools, dedicated to developing their creative talents from a very young age.
It’s a rare day indeed when I can claim to have enjoyed a day indoors in lieu of viewing wildlife in its natural surroundings… today was one of those rarities.
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