2010 Federal Duck Stamp Contest

Jim's first place design

Bob's second place entry

This past Friday and Saturday the annual Federal Duck Stamp Contest was held out in Berkley, CA. This year the five eligible species were Brant, Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, Northern Shoveler, and Greater White-fronted Goose. After the second round, my husband Bob was tied for first place with his brother Jim (Hautman). Jim ended up winning in the tie-breaker, Bob got second. Every year Duck Stamp sales raise over 25 million dollars, most of which go directly for conservation of critical habitat. Duck Stamps are available at your post office ($15.) and in addition to helping conservation you get something beautiful.

For more information on the Duck Stamp Program: http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/

To view all 236 of this year's entries http://www.outdoorsweekly.com/

For more information on Hautman Brother's Art www.hautman.com

Badlands and Black Hills

Bison photo, Badlands, South Dakota

Young Bison

oil on canvas

12 x 12

sold

I just returned from an excursion out to the Badlands and the Black Hills of South Dakota. October is a great time to go because there is almost no one around and the weather can be quintessential "Indian Summer"; though one person I ran into said last year at this time there was a foot of snow.... I saw a lot of Bison, singles and in huge herds. It is a thrill to be out hiking and come upon these wild beasts.

Fall Art Show - Thanks!

Here is a photo of me and my work at the show last weekend. We were set up in a renovated late 1800's timber frame barn, which was pretty cool. The weather was cooperative, a good thing because there was no heat! Thank you to all who came and to all who sent good thoughts my way - the show went really well.