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Thank you for visiting Clayton Wildlife Art! You'll see past and new works, contest entries, commissions, as well as updates and background stories of how some of the pieces came to be. You'll also find information about conservation efforts through duck stamp contests, the Clayton Family's history of entering, and some successes along the way. Please feel free to reach out on the CONTACT page with any questions or comments, and enjoy!
Past Updates:
Federal Entries 2020
Congratulations to Richard Clifton on his 2020 Federal Duck Stamp Win! Below are Christine's (left) and Matt's (right) entries, which both made it to the second round of competition, with Christine's placing in the top 15 of 138 entries. Both originals are available for purchase. Please CONTACT them for more information!
Federal Duck Stamp Contest 2017
The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is the most prestigious wildlife art contest in the country, Matt, Christine, and Sarah each entered a painting into the contest and the family traveled to Wisconsin to watch the proceedings. After two days of judging, Christine placed third overall, with Greg Alexander taking second place and Bob Hautman winning the contest. Visit Matt, Christine, and Sarah's pages at the links above to view images of the paintings.
Animal Planet's Premier of the Million Dollar Duck Film!
The Million Dollar Duck follows the humorous and heartfelt journey of six wildlife artists competing to win the Federal Duck Stamp Contest - the only juried art competition run by the U.S. government and one of the most successful conservation tools ever created. Feathers will be ruffled and some egos will be bruised, but for one contestant, winning "the Olympics of wildlife art" will be life-changing. See more info and the trailer HERE!
Federal Duck Stamp Contest 2016
The Federal Duck Stamp contest was September 9th-10th in Philadelphia. Above is Christine's (left) and Matt's (right) entries. Congratulations to Jim Hautman on his fifth win! Also, congratulations to former Junior Duck Stamp winner Rebekah Knight, who placed second, and Bob Hautman, who placed third.
All of the entries can be seen here: http://www.shduck.com/cgi/read.pl?page=contest&cart=3678
See more information here: https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp.php
All of the entries can be seen here: http://www.shduck.com/cgi/read.pl?page=contest&cart=3678
See more information here: https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp.php
Junior Duck Stamp Contest 2016
Congratulations to Sarah for winning second place in the National Federal Junior Duck Stamp competition!! She tied for first place in the final round of judging, then placed second after an additional round of judging to break the tie. Her entry is 9x12 and completed in oils.
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Strongsville Decoy Show 2016
The Clayton Family displayed artwork at the O.D.C.C.A Decoy show this year, including the original 2015-16 Ohio Duck Stamp painting, Ohio DU painting, and Ohio companion painting, along with framed prints of each and some other newer pieces. Federal Duck Stamp winner Adam Grimm and wildlife artist Jocelyn Beatty were also in attendance. Thanks to everyone who came through!
Find more info here: https://www.odcca.net/
Find more info here: https://www.odcca.net/
Fun at the Federal 2015
Here are some photos from the Claytons' trip to the Federal Duck Stamp Contest this year. It's always fun to see all of the artwork and spend time with duck stamp friends!
2015 Federal Duck Stamp Contest
All entries can be seen HERE
The 2015 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest was held Sept. 18 & 19 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W. Va. The event is always free and open to the public and this year began at 10 a.m. Eastern each day. Also, there was a special advance preview screening of "The Million Dollar Duck" - the Duck Stamp documentary, on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. in the training center auditorium. Free and open to the public.
The contest is also streamed live online. A link is posted to the broadcast just prior to the start of the contest HERE, where you can also find more information about the Federal Duck Stamp Contest.
All entries can be seen HERE
The 2015 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest was held Sept. 18 & 19 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W. Va. The event is always free and open to the public and this year began at 10 a.m. Eastern each day. Also, there was a special advance preview screening of "The Million Dollar Duck" - the Duck Stamp documentary, on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. in the training center auditorium. Free and open to the public.
The contest is also streamed live online. A link is posted to the broadcast just prior to the start of the contest HERE, where you can also find more information about the Federal Duck Stamp Contest.
Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp
Recently I was honored to be chosen as the winner of the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp art competition. This was my fourth time to enter a state stamp competition (second time in Ohio), and my first win. It just so happened that I set a couple records with this one, being the first female as well as the youngest artist to win the contest since its beginning in 1982. Things couldn’t have gone any better for us! My Dad Matt Clayton ended up with a second place with his entry of a bufflehead, and his painting was chosen for the Ohio Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print for this coming year. I’m very thankful to have won and am excited to see what this year brings. I’m grateful for the ability God has given me and the opportunity to portray the amazing things that He’s created in my work. Also, thanks to all of my family (esp. Mom, Dad, and Sarah) and friends who offered their support, advice and encouragement as I was working on this one. The original image size is 11.5x16 and was completed in oils. I’ll be having prints made and of course the original is available for purchase as well.
- Christine Clayton
- Christine Clayton
2016 Ohio Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Print of the Year
It was a weekend of rejoicing for the Clayton Family and Clayton Wildlife Art at the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp juried art contest held in Newark, Ohio. Christine's oil painting of a pair of wood ducks was chosen to grace the 2016 Ohio Duck Stamp. “Bufflehead on the Cuyahoga," my rendition of a perky little bufflehead plowing through the waves on the Cuyahoga River, was chosen as the Ohio Ducks Unlimited “Sponsor Print of the Year” for 2016. The bufflehead painting also placed second just behind Christine in the Ohio contest, as well as third in North Carolina a few weeks ago. This is one competition I was thankful not to win as I was cheering for Christine to take first place, congrats to her for a job well done and to all the artists who contributed nice paintings as well. We feel honored to have fared well among a very talented field! -Matt C.
Clayton Wildlife Art Print Giveaway!
Congratulations to the winner of Clayton Wildlife Art's print giveaway---
DEANNE KRIBELL!!!!!!
Federal Duck Stamp Contest 2014
This is Christine's entry. See the Art Gallery for details.
This is Matt's Federal Entry. It tied for 7th place in the contest and was in the top 17 paintings of the final round.
Here are a few photos from the Clayton Family's trip to the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. There was lots of fun to be had spending time with family and friends, and visiting Antietam, Harpers Ferry and the surrounding country.
Here are a few photos from the Clayton Family's trip to the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. There was lots of fun to be had spending time with family and friends, and visiting Antietam, Harpers Ferry and the surrounding country.
Federal Duck Stamp Contest 2014
Last year's winning painting by Adam Grimm
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This year's Federal Duck Stamp contest was held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20, at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W.V. You can see all of the entries HERE!
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Junior Duck Stamp Entry 2014
Sarah recently took top honors at the Ohio Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest held in Strongsville, Ohio near Cleveland. Her oil on hardboard painting depicting a pair of Mallard ducks was chosen "Best of Show" and went on to compete in the national competition where it placed in the top ten. Hats off to Sarah for a job well done!!!
A Labor of Love: South Dakota Sojourn
The following album will document the lengths at which some artists go to get the best reference material along with acquiring a "feel" for the subject depicted in its natural habitat. Available only to those who go afield, this perspective makes it possible for the artist to create a most realistic work of art. Hopefully these photographs will educate some and inspire others familiar with the appreciation for what goes into painting duck stamps! -The Clayton Family
South Dakota Scenery Photos
Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp Competition 2014
"Monarch of the Marsh"
by Christine Clayton
This oil painting was my entry in the 2014 Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp competition. This was the first painting I did specifically for a state contest, and though I didn’t place, I honed my painting skills, learned a... lot, and gained a much better understanding of how to render a most detailed and life-like painting.
From the time I decided to paint an entry for the Ohio contest, I had in the back of my mind that I wanted to paint a wood duck if I could find good enough reference, a key element in each of my paintings. Wood ducks have always been one of my favorite species of waterfowl. Also, I have a lot of family memories associated with these birds, from attempting to render woodies in my first Junior Duck Stamp painting, and many subsequent entries, to studying their vermiculated pocket feathers after a duck hunting trip with my Dad and sister. What’s more, many consider them the most beautiful duck in North America.
I took my time looking for a reference photo that was “just right” then I to put my plan into action. I traveled north to photograph the background I had chosen to use months before. The background scene was found at the Adam Grimm Habitat Restoration Project within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, a place where our family has spent countless hours observing and photographing wildlife. I had decided that I wanted to incorporate it into my entry after spending the afternoon there with the Grimm family following the 2013 Federal Duck Stamp Contest. I remember looking over the beautiful creation around me and thinking how it would be spectacular spot to find a wood duck resting on a log, the very thing I wanted to paint for the Ohio Duck Stamp Contest.
Then the hard, tedious work of painting began. I started around the second week of January and worked until the 13th of February, the day before the deadline. The last two weeks of painting were difficult, as many days I would paint for 12 hours or more, though I received much encouragement from family and friends as I completed my entry. Thanks to my family, especially my Dad, as they offered a lot of advice and critique and were very helpful as I worked. Also, a big thank you to Adam Grimm, who took the time to really help me with this piece. Though it was coming along, as I neared the deadline he helped me totally transform my painting for the better. I consider this my best painting so far, and though it didn’t place in the competition, this is a personal victory for me. I’m now moving on and looking forward to more upcoming projects in the world of duck stamp art.
by Christine Clayton
This oil painting was my entry in the 2014 Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamp competition. This was the first painting I did specifically for a state contest, and though I didn’t place, I honed my painting skills, learned a... lot, and gained a much better understanding of how to render a most detailed and life-like painting.
From the time I decided to paint an entry for the Ohio contest, I had in the back of my mind that I wanted to paint a wood duck if I could find good enough reference, a key element in each of my paintings. Wood ducks have always been one of my favorite species of waterfowl. Also, I have a lot of family memories associated with these birds, from attempting to render woodies in my first Junior Duck Stamp painting, and many subsequent entries, to studying their vermiculated pocket feathers after a duck hunting trip with my Dad and sister. What’s more, many consider them the most beautiful duck in North America.
I took my time looking for a reference photo that was “just right” then I to put my plan into action. I traveled north to photograph the background I had chosen to use months before. The background scene was found at the Adam Grimm Habitat Restoration Project within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, a place where our family has spent countless hours observing and photographing wildlife. I had decided that I wanted to incorporate it into my entry after spending the afternoon there with the Grimm family following the 2013 Federal Duck Stamp Contest. I remember looking over the beautiful creation around me and thinking how it would be spectacular spot to find a wood duck resting on a log, the very thing I wanted to paint for the Ohio Duck Stamp Contest.
Then the hard, tedious work of painting began. I started around the second week of January and worked until the 13th of February, the day before the deadline. The last two weeks of painting were difficult, as many days I would paint for 12 hours or more, though I received much encouragement from family and friends as I completed my entry. Thanks to my family, especially my Dad, as they offered a lot of advice and critique and were very helpful as I worked. Also, a big thank you to Adam Grimm, who took the time to really help me with this piece. Though it was coming along, as I neared the deadline he helped me totally transform my painting for the better. I consider this my best painting so far, and though it didn’t place in the competition, this is a personal victory for me. I’m now moving on and looking forward to more upcoming projects in the world of duck stamp art.
North Carolina Duck Stamp Contest
This is Matt's entry in for the North Carolina Duck Stamp Contest. He placed 7th overall. Sold.
2014 ODCCA Show: Strongsville, Ohio
Below are a few photos from the annual Ohio Decoy Collectors and Carvers Association O.D.C.C.A. Show held in Strongsville, Ohio near Cleveland where the Claytons set up their display, and the judging took place for the Ohio Junior Federal Duck Stamp Contest. Sarah's entry took Best of Show and will go on to compete in the national contest. CONGRATUALTIONS SARAH!
Recently the Clayton Family had the pleasure of attending the Federal Duck Stamp art competition for the first time. For us it was a dream come true and the culmination of over a decade of striving to reach our goal of being contenders in the world’s most notable and prestigious wildlife art contest.
While attending the Federal contest we were introduced to a young film maker named Brian Davis who shared details about a project he is currently working on to help educate the public about the importance of America’s most successful conservation effort, the Federal Duck Stamp
Program.
Ninety-eight percent of the monies collected from Duck Stamp (Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp) sales since 1934 has been used to purchase and lease millions of acres of wetlands for the purpose of providing critically needed habitat for waterfowl and a host of other wildlife.
Brian is now closing the gap to finish this extensive project but lacks the funding to finish the film; this is where we come in. If you would like to be part of history in the making please consider joining us in contributing to this most legitimate and worthy project. Ultimately our support will help to insure that future generations will be able to relish in the joy found only in the great outdoors. Please forward this message to others as we have as an encouragement to be a part of the most successful conservation effort of all time and don't forget to purchase your Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp!
Thanks,
Matt, Darlene, Christine, and Sarah @ Clayton Wildlife Art
Federal Duck Stamp Contest 2013
Well the tallies are in and the 2013 Federal Duck Stamp contest is complete, CONGRATULATIONS to Ohio native, friend and art mentor Adam Grimm who placed first in the competition! Below are some photos of the Clayton Family's trip to Oregon, Ohio for the contest. This was their second year entering the contest and it was especially enjoyable as the judging took place in the Buckeye State making it possible to attend and see how the contest works first-hand......the mystique exceeded expectations. A special thank you to all who encouraged along the way! Thanks also to Adam Grimm for sharing his thoughts and experiences in regards to the two entries below while in progress, helping to develop a God-given talent!
The 2013 Federal and Junior Duck Stamp Story
FATHER AND DAUGHTER MAKE ART HISTORY
Southeastern South Dakota is home to the newest Federal Duck Stamp winner. The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is the most prestigious wildlife art competition in the world. On September 28th, Adam Grimm of Burbank, South Dakota, was named winner of the 2014-15 Federal Duck Stamp competition when his painting of a pair of sunlit Canvasbacks was selected out of a field of 202 entries. This is the second time Adam has won this top honor. In 1999 he made headlines as the youngest artist to ever win the award since its inception in 1934. Grimm’s painting of a drake Mottled duck was featured as the Millennium (2000-01) Federal Duck stamp. Since then, Adam Grimm has become a renowned wildlife artist capturing award-winning titles in venues across the nation. What’s more interesting is that the headlines don’t stop there.
In April of this year, Grimm’s daughter, Madison, at the age of 6, made national news when she grabbed the title for youngest winner of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp competition with her painting of a Canvasback drake. The Federal
Junior Duck Stamp competition is the junior version of the adult contest and is open to students grades K-12. Madison’s image adorns the current Junior Duck Stamp, which sells for $5. Not only do father and daughter now hold the record for youngest artist to win their respective contests, but they both also managed to win the crown in the same year and with the same species of duck!
This year’s Federal Duck Stamp competition was held in Adam’s home state of Ohio. In attendance was Adam, his wife, their three children, and dozens of close friends and family. When asked about why this year has been so special, Adam had this to say: “I’m honored to have been selected. This year has been filled with unfathomable ups and downs. At this incredible moment of my career, I’m surrounded by some of the most important people in my life. The eruption of applause throughout the room as I was announced the winner, the excitement in my children’s eyes, the tears and hugs from my wife and my 89 year-old grandmother will stick with me forever. Today also happens to be my wife’s birthday, and I don’t know a better present I could’ve given her!” He went on to say how special it was to have this particular win serve as the culmination of so many personal coincidences that seemed “too good to be true”. If it’s sounding like this could be a movie, you’re right. A film crew shooting a documentary, entitled The Million Dollar Duck, on the Federal Duck Stamp program recorded the entire event. This is based on the recent book, The Wild Duck Chase by Martin J. Smith. The Million Dollar Duck is a feature length documentary that focuses on the strange and wonderful world of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. The film chronicles the lives of wildlife artists who submit their best duck painting each year for a chance at overnight fame and fortune in the only juried art competition run by the US government.
The Grimm family can rest assured that this is one time history won’t likely repeat itself. Madison Grimm put it best in her Opening Day of Sales speech, “Rejoice in the things you think are impossible”.
For more information please contact Adam Grimm at [email protected]
For more information online please visit
http://www.adamgrimm.com/ or connect on Facebook at Adam Grimm Wildlife Art
FATHER AND DAUGHTER MAKE ART HISTORY
Southeastern South Dakota is home to the newest Federal Duck Stamp winner. The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is the most prestigious wildlife art competition in the world. On September 28th, Adam Grimm of Burbank, South Dakota, was named winner of the 2014-15 Federal Duck Stamp competition when his painting of a pair of sunlit Canvasbacks was selected out of a field of 202 entries. This is the second time Adam has won this top honor. In 1999 he made headlines as the youngest artist to ever win the award since its inception in 1934. Grimm’s painting of a drake Mottled duck was featured as the Millennium (2000-01) Federal Duck stamp. Since then, Adam Grimm has become a renowned wildlife artist capturing award-winning titles in venues across the nation. What’s more interesting is that the headlines don’t stop there.
In April of this year, Grimm’s daughter, Madison, at the age of 6, made national news when she grabbed the title for youngest winner of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp competition with her painting of a Canvasback drake. The Federal
Junior Duck Stamp competition is the junior version of the adult contest and is open to students grades K-12. Madison’s image adorns the current Junior Duck Stamp, which sells for $5. Not only do father and daughter now hold the record for youngest artist to win their respective contests, but they both also managed to win the crown in the same year and with the same species of duck!
This year’s Federal Duck Stamp competition was held in Adam’s home state of Ohio. In attendance was Adam, his wife, their three children, and dozens of close friends and family. When asked about why this year has been so special, Adam had this to say: “I’m honored to have been selected. This year has been filled with unfathomable ups and downs. At this incredible moment of my career, I’m surrounded by some of the most important people in my life. The eruption of applause throughout the room as I was announced the winner, the excitement in my children’s eyes, the tears and hugs from my wife and my 89 year-old grandmother will stick with me forever. Today also happens to be my wife’s birthday, and I don’t know a better present I could’ve given her!” He went on to say how special it was to have this particular win serve as the culmination of so many personal coincidences that seemed “too good to be true”. If it’s sounding like this could be a movie, you’re right. A film crew shooting a documentary, entitled The Million Dollar Duck, on the Federal Duck Stamp program recorded the entire event. This is based on the recent book, The Wild Duck Chase by Martin J. Smith. The Million Dollar Duck is a feature length documentary that focuses on the strange and wonderful world of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. The film chronicles the lives of wildlife artists who submit their best duck painting each year for a chance at overnight fame and fortune in the only juried art competition run by the US government.
The Grimm family can rest assured that this is one time history won’t likely repeat itself. Madison Grimm put it best in her Opening Day of Sales speech, “Rejoice in the things you think are impossible”.
For more information please contact Adam Grimm at [email protected]
For more information online please visit
http://www.adamgrimm.com/ or connect on Facebook at Adam Grimm Wildlife Art
Junior Duck Stamp Contest 2013
Congratulations to the new Junior Duck Stamp Winner, Madison Grimm, age 6, of Burbank, South Dakota! The stamp features a single drake canvasback and is entitled "Canvasback's Swim." She is the daughter of wildlife artist, Adam Grimm. Also, congratulations to Federal Duck Stamp winner Robert Steiner on his painting of a goldeneye drake! For more information or to purchase these stamps, please visit http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/ .
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Annual ODCCA Show in Strongsville Ohio 2013
Below are photos of a recent journey to Strongsville, Ohio for the annual Ohio Decoy Carvers and Collectors show where the Ohio Junior Duck Stamp judging is held. There the Claytons met up with with countless friends and fellow artists.
Ohio Duck Stamp Contest 2013
This past February, Christine was chosen to be an alternate judge at the Ohio Wetland Stamp contest. It was an honor for her to be a part of this contest and everyone was pleased with the results. Congratulations to Adam Grimm on his second win!
This past February, Christine was chosen to be an alternate judge at the Ohio Wetland Stamp contest. It was an honor for her to be a part of this contest and everyone was pleased with the results. Congratulations to Adam Grimm on his second win!
Ding Darling Days at J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge October 2012
August 2012
Christine Clayton and Josh Romney at a recent Victory Rally in Sidney, OH. Christine and countless others are hoping that all politicians will consider the progress made since 1934 by the Federal Duck Stamp program in its efforts to conserve our valuable natural resources for future generations. Josh is holding a copy of this year's Junior Federal Duck Stamp artwork painted by Christine and featured on the 2012-2013 Junior Duck Stamp. Click here for more information on the Federal Duck Stamp Program and how you can support the nation's most successful conservation effort with 98 cents of every dollar collected going to purchase or lease wetlands for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Christine Clayton and Josh Romney at a recent Victory Rally in Sidney, OH. Christine and countless others are hoping that all politicians will consider the progress made since 1934 by the Federal Duck Stamp program in its efforts to conserve our valuable natural resources for future generations. Josh is holding a copy of this year's Junior Federal Duck Stamp artwork painted by Christine and featured on the 2012-2013 Junior Duck Stamp. Click here for more information on the Federal Duck Stamp Program and how you can support the nation's most successful conservation effort with 98 cents of every dollar collected going to purchase or lease wetlands for waterfowl and other wildlife.
© Clayton Wildlife Art 2015
