My Journey to Winning The Federal Duck Stamp Contest

Thank you to everyone at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the judges who thought my painting was worthy of the 2024 - 2025 Federal Duck Stamp, and all of you for following over the years. Congrats to the other artists as well. There were so many amazing entries this year and I just feel very lucky to be in this position. Prints will be available later in 2024.
My website: www.wildlifeandart.com/
Facebook: / wildlifeandart
Instagram: / chuckblackart
tiktok: / chuckblackart
What I used for this painting (affiliate links):
Glass palette: shrsl.com/40llx
Paint & brush organizer: amzn.to/3mlXTea
Brush I used to block in: shrsl.com/3w1ef
Dagger brush: amzn.to/3VeYbzS
Makeup sponge pens: amzn.to/3q0wC2u
makeup wedges: amzn.to/47pyxPb
Panel: shrsl.com/1qg3i
Oil paints: shrsl.com/3n0kq

[@carlarush678]

This was so beautiful to watch. I could feel the love and emotion put into painting the duck. Just breathtaking.

[@deborahanderson1287]

I've watched this before and now again. Congratulations and thankyou for sharing this video with us. I just feel the awe and gratitude you have for nature in this video. It's a great gift to be able to paint this wonderful spectrum of awesome beauty we call earth and it's creatures.

[@reginathornton7433]

Oh how Wonderful! We are so PROUD of you, Chuck! Mesmerizing to watch you paint such a BEAUTIFUL Painting. CONGRATULATIONS! 🎉 🎨 ❤ 👏

[@GrannyHugs]

Chuck, I'm so happy for you! Congratulations! Your painting is worthy of being on a stamp!❤😄

[@DeeACook-lc7bd]

Congratulations, Chuck. Your work is beautiful and inspirational. Thank you for the love and appreciation you show for the wildlife.

[@jrz7325]

Congratulations Chuck!! Much deserved and well earned. Cheers

[@gordonpembridgefineart746]

Congratulations in obtaining first in the Federal Duck Stamp competition a beautiful painting. I also loved the video you produced along with the news. Keep up the great work, Warmest wishes Gordon.

[@deborahwilson2734]

Congratulations, Chuck! A well deserved award. I am so proud and honored to have one of your small, original paintings!❤

[@threedogsinatrenchcoat6336]

This brought a tear to my eye fr Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you, it is well deserved. Your dedication is amazing.

[@JennyA-55]

Congratulations!!! Awesome painting!! Beautiful!!

[@lisasparling2431]

That is absolutely awesome and you deserve it 100%! Your artwork is amazing!

[@darlafrazier8575]

Congratulations. You make the paintings come alive. So proud of you. I have watched you through the years progress to such a winner.

[@jessmatthewson7775]

Wow awesome Sir/s thank you for sharing😊

[@keneverett3751]

Congratulations! Outstanding! I've been watching for a while, from acrylics to Oils allways great videos!

[@lizzyhuberlie4077]

It was so special to be able to see your reference video. You were able to capture that stunning light so beautifully! Bravo!

[@maynelson7439]

Oh wow! What a beautiful painting 👌 and I loved the technique, congratulations it's stunning

[@coramuller6065]

👋Hi Chuck, all your paintings are absolutely wonderful ! Congratulations from Germany on the very well-deserved recognition of your fine artwork.💖

[@gregg1431]

Awesome and congratulations. Your dedication and love of wildlife shows through.

[@laurawaldie456]

Congrats, Chuck! I am so happy for you! You have worked so hard all these years in developing your artistic style to achieve this distinction. Well done and well deserved!!🎉🙌👏

[@BootstheHouseKellyBellyMama]

your artwork and dedication is so beautiful it genuinely brings me to tears

[@rubensalazar9094]

From an artist in Austin Texas you I've come a long way in your artwork. You deserve that first place prize both for your love of art and of ducks.

[@eileenjuneburke2413]

So happy for you Chuck, congratulations on your win, you are an amazing artist. I love seeing how you create all your wonderful work.

[@TheCatnipCinema]

I am so happy for you. There's tears running down my face. This must feel so amazing to win this competition. I'm honored to be a watcher of your channel! Good job, Chuck!

[@Yoeri22]

Congratulations! 🎉 I loved seeing the photos at the end of your art throughout the years and the progress you made

[@pegschwalbach2500]

Congratulations Chuck! What an honor and what a testiment to your talent! Well done!😊❤

[@bencreger1300]

Congratulations!! Amazing painting, and a well deserved honor! As a waterfowl hunter all the way over in Virginia, it makes me smile to know that your beautiful work will be on every stamp that brings in meaningful dollars for use in wetland habitat protection and restoration for 2024. I loved every moment of this video, and how you captured the birds on video so well, as well as seeing your process of creating such an incredible work of art! I especially enjoyed the final moments, showing the progression of your work from childhood art to now. Phenomenal! Congratulations again, sir!

[@brits9876]

This was so sweet! What a journey! I saw the video title and was like *gasp* “He did??” Thank you for sharing these beautiful clips as well! Congratulations!! 🎉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@marshapascoe79]

All the ducks Chuck, beautiful! So very beautiful.

[@lindasaraniero232]

Congratulations, I’ve been watching your videos for years and so impressed by your talent.

[@natlisan]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Stunningly striking piece Chuck, very well deserved win!!!👏🏼🍾

[@johnfield7270]

What great recognition of a great wildlife artist. Congrats Chuck. Johnny from Canada

[@mtmary3931]

What a delightful video. What an amazing capture of such a beautiful, elegant duck! Congratulations!

[@ctemple99]

Congratulations on a well deserved win! Thanks for sharing the journey of your art and the special day of finding this bird. Experiences like this are such a blessing and you are using your talent well.

[@pamelas222]

The video was so emotional for me. You have made great progress through your career. I’ve learned so much just by watching you. You are amazing. Your wife is always right there by your side and marvel like that. So happy you won the contest. Enjoy!

[@tiredofit6267]

Congratulations again Chuck. You ARE an amazing artist! Well deserved...you've made leaps and bounds as an artist...great video!

[@francishafley9195]

See how good you are.........A well deserved award that I am proud to say was awarded to you on my birthday. With all the hard work in learning all you have and the determination to do so in your humble manner makes you the best artist in the world. I am blessed that I lived some of my life while you were here

[@irenegalombeck6668]

Hi Chuck wow how amazing! You should have won years ago in my opinion! Congratulations to a sweet guy and a very talented artist! You deserve to win this prestigious contest! I am so proud to have your beautiful art on display in my favorite rooms at my house. Thanks for sharing 💞

[@peter7413]

Your Federal Duck Stamp video was wonderful to watch. You my Friend are an Amazing Artist and it's a great pleasure to watch your videos and to follow along with a painting! Thank You once again for sharing your fantastic skills.

[@shellyparker8960]

Congratulations, Chuck! I know you worked so hard. What an honor and so deserved. It's beautiful!

[@hawkeye9382]

Congratulations, that's wonderful and well deserved!!! RFK Jr. has duck paintings in his office. Bet at least one is yours!!

[@kathyloizos3411]

My uncle Lawrence Cory, won this many times, most the trout stamps , back in the mid 80s to the 90s. Congratulations!

[@Azfa_]

Congrats Chuck ! so happy for you. I don't know why this 9:37 part made me teary eye

[@beckyg9831]

Me too!

[@TheCatnipCinema]

The whole video has me crying

[@garyschwieters54]

Congratulations Chuck!! I’ve followed, watched and learned much from you for a few years now. This accomplishment was surely on the horizon. Well done!!

[@denisewolf2924]

Congrats Chuck...very well deserved!! Terry Redline is also one of my favorite artists

[@Maxi_Me]

Blessings

[@huntsail3727]

Congratulations! Very beautiful, loved the backstory. All of it. Great job!

[@theresabrady7418]

Congratulations! I grew up in Minnesota as well. Your pintail is gorgeous

[@ScottHebertArt]

amazing dude, thats a lot of hard work that paid off. you should be proud!

[@hbendzulla8213]

A beautiful movie, which let to a great and one of a kind achievement. Congratulations Chuck.

[@timtaylor-lo9hs]

Next years stamp is getting framed and hung up as a motivational reminder. A reminder to continue. Continuing is where most people fail, including myself. Thanks Mr. Black

[@MissWhiteSpiderArts]

This made me cry! Iamsoproud of you and the painting is so beautiful!!!!

[@deborawagner7657]

OMG! That's so awesome! I'm so proud of you! Can't wait til the stamps come out!

[@johnelkins4958]

Congratulations Chuck!!! This is so awesome! Chris.

[@annmarie3520]

CONGRATULATIONS Chuck! Your painting was awesome! Just beautiful! ❤👏🏻👍🏻😊

[@debrajol3585]

Wow I felt that 💝 Thank you for sharing this. I love the way this was put together. Going thru the years was so inspirational 🌹🌹🌹 Congratulations on your lovely success.

[@Tylerman]

Really awesome. Please place one in the competition every year

[@mulepowerforge]

That’s awesome! I have a picture that’s the cover photo on a magazine but there was certainly not as much time and effort put in to achieve that haha! Good job man!

[@EricaOlson]

A beautiful triumph. We are all so so proud

[@mauriceboucher2221]

amazing !

[@AveniusArt]

Congratulations, following you also for quite a few years now here and I'm so happy you finally won!

[@maggielandrey7232]

Heck yeah!!!! Glad you did, what a great accomplishment 😊

[@zoeuphoria]

a well deservered Congratulations! and a huge inspiration x

[@brockabeekb1894]

Big Congrats! Beautiful

[@llauren.wallace]

Congratulations!! I've been watching your videos for several years and was SO EXCITED to see this video pop up on my feed! Your art work, amazing as always - your passion for wildlife and conservation, the cherry on top. So happy for you!

[@russellrevels4392]

Congratulations!! Wonderful job and well deserved. A great example of perseverance. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@johnstamos5579]

Congrats my friend, well done

[@robertvanderploeg4670]

Magnificent work Chuck, absolutely exquisite. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@leapylouie801]

That's wonderful! Congratulations! I'm very happy for you!

[@lindalou2372]

Congratulations, Chuck! You sure deserve this award! You are a fantastic artist and I'm happy one of your dreams came true!

[@elleeo1495]

An award well deserved! Chuck, your persistence & dedication to this endeavor has paid off. You've had many beautiful entries over the years & I'm so glad that you finally received the recognition & award of that top spot. Congratulations, again!

[@IngaWang]

Chuck, have been following your art for a while. Love your artwork and look forward to seeing more of your videos. Congratulations for the stamp❤

[@adamjohns5278]

Congrats, man! It just goes to show how hard work and perseverance always pays off in the end. Gorgeous piece!

[@JesusChrist-Gives-Eternal-Life]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Very happy for you!!! That's so amazing!

[@jeffreygrill]

I want to say Chuck I am so happy for you, I've been a stamp collector my whole life and have always loved collecting the duck stamps and I think you've done tremendous job congratulations.

[@cindybroadhead7797]

A big congratulations to you. You should be proud. 😄

[@marvb3]

Absolutely beautiful… well earned my brotha!! Video was done so perfectly too!! Proud of you both!!

[@flick4600]

Awesome Chuck! Hard work and determination DO pay off!

[@austinwebbcreative]

What a story and what a painting!! Congratulations! You deserved to win. Very cool achievement 👍

[@TheRonax112]

Proud of you chuck! Also needs more hamm's cans!

[@elizabethreems187]

Congratulations Chuck. By watching you paint I believed someday you would get there and your passion for it is real. Just keep doing what you are doing !

[@marilyngiles1153]

I was proud for you long before now. But this is was a wonderful gift, you so deserve it. Congrats, God Bless

[@margmorano2101]

Congratulations Chuck! Well deserved!!

[@MichaelKensinger]

Chuck…we’ve chatted during your livestream last year about vermiculation in duck feathers and how frustrating it is to paint them sometimes. I’m so happy for you. Mine was cut in round 2. Entry 126. Congratulations!

[@royalvibes7704]

Hey..can u tell me when these competitions held? Bcuz i wanna participate too...plz do tell

[@MichaelKensinger]

@@royalvibes7704 the Federal Duck Stamp Contest rules are released on the US Fish and Wildlife Services website each January. You must be a US resident and there is a $125 entry fee. Super fun Contest to try for but if you’re like me you learn not to get your hopes up too high! LOL

[@carriebarnes118]

Omg I’m crying. Amazing, Chuck!! You’re the man.

[@natomiltary4573]

Great job winning, you earned it. I love your process!!

[@katieirish5765]

Wow. Just, wow, for the whole gorgeous video. Congratulations!

[@anfernee576]

Fantastic. Very well done. Your hardwork has paid off and that is something to be very proud of.

[@maitev-p9582]

Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 so well deserved!!! Your paintings are so special, not only by their own technical merit but also for the inspirational story behind them. So genuine and humbling ❤

[@qendresashillova]

Congrats🥇 very very beautiful.

[@troyb1733]

Just stunning,I dont hunt anymore but I had mornings like this and there is nothing like it! Congradulations to you!!

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

I can't imagine how far off 2nd place would be! You should hands down win every year!! So perfectly beautiful. Congratulations!!

[@JeffreySketchler]

Congratulations. Incredible video. Incredible painting. Thanks.

[@wgrfarley5876]

Congrats Chuck...Well done and I was happy to see your name in first place. Great story behind your winner!

[@flooklh]

Congratulations! This is awesome. You deserve to come first with this stunning painting. Your work just gets better and better as time passes. I'm so impressed that you won. Keep up the great work.

[@davidroberts5577]

Congratulations, that awesome! I used to frame Ducks Unlimited pieces of art. You do wonderful work!

[@hagstruan1140]

That's awesome! Congratulations!

[@KariAndresen]

Congratulations! Well deserved award. It’s a beautiful painting.

[@kevinscottburrill-wildlife-art]

I've followed you for a few years now, learned so much that has enhanced my wildlife art. I've even tried the stamp contest a time or two (but not this year). Super happy for you! Congrats! Keep inspiring us other artists. You've helped inspire me through artist's block more than once. :)

[@XenaArt]

Одним словом, талант! 👌👌👌 Вподобайка! ❤❤❤

[@olefoggy]

So happy for you congratulations kathy

[@gregcoumos7128]

Congratulations Chuck! Beautiful painting and great video! Well done. I’ve followed you for a few years now and I’m amazed with your talent. By the way, Adam G is my nephew. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻