Alabama artists are invited to enter the 2011 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp art contest, which opens January 1, 2011. The winning artwork will be used as the design of the 2012-2013 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp, which is required to be purchased when hunting migratory waterfowl. Entries will be accepted from Jan. 1 – Feb. 15, 2011. The competition is open to resident Alabama artists only.

All eligible entries will be on display February 25, 2011, at the Richard Beard Building, 1445 Federal Dr., Montgomery, Ala., 36107. Following the showing, three judges from the fields of art, ornithology and wildlife conservation will select the winning waterfowl art.

Only original horizontal artworks depicting a species of North American migratory duck or goose will be eligible. The wood duck, pintail, and American wigeon — depicted in the winning artwork of three previous year’s contests — are not eligible as the subject for the 2012-2013 Waterfowl Stamp. David Nix of Cottondale, Ala., won the 2010 contest with a painting of an American wigeon.

The judging criteria will emphasize uncluttered design suitable for printing as a stamp, anatomical accuracy of the illustrated species, and artistic rendering. Close attention must be given to tone and detail, since those aspects are prerequisites for printing artwork as a stamp. Wing and feather construction must be particularly well defined. Entries may be drawn or painted in any medium. Entries cannot exceed 9 by 12 inches (15 by 18 inches matted).

For contest information and entry forms visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website, www.outdooralabama.com, or contact contest coordinator David Hayden, at 334-242-3469.