Bealle paints a winning duck stamp

outdoors

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

That painting will be made into the 2010-2011 Federal Duck Stamp which will go on sale next June.

These $15 duck stamps raise about $25 million yearly to fund wetland habitat land purchases for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Bealle has entered these national contests before, and has often done quite well, often making it to the final round of judging. His artwork has come in second place over hundreds of entries in previous years.

He has actually won at the state level three times.

In 1999, 2003 and 2008 Bealle's paintings were selected to grace the Maryland Duck Stamp, but this federal duck stamp contest is the biggest prize of them all for wildlife artists, and Bealle was very happy to finally take top honors.

"It's been a long time coming," Bealle said recently by telephone. "I was so afraid of coming in second once again. I feel like I've been finally let free."

Bealle has been a full-time wildlife artist for many years now but he also prides himself on being a bit of a gentleman farmer.

"That's what it says on my business cards," he said with a chuckle.

As should be no surprise, Bealle also told me that this win will provide a most prestigious boost to his career: "I haven't even though about money yet. It's just a huge relief."

Artists don't receive any great compensation by winning these duck stamp contests, but they do have the right afterward to market copies of their winning artwork and there are thousands of collectors all over the world.

"I haven't even thought about that [money] yet," Bealle said. "But, it should be pretty good."

At one time Bealle was a local taxidermist, and the first time I actually met this man I had carried along an 11-inch frozen bluegill I wanted him to mount for me.

This was probably back nearly 30 years ago. And as I type these words today, I can look up at that very same handsome fish on the wall just above the desk here in my office.

It's truly a work of art, for Bealle did a wonderful job on painting that little bluegill and making it look so lifelike. I am just tickled, and consider myself quite fortunate, to have some of his artwork in my own home.

Today, you can usually see some of Bealle's art on display at Talley Jewelry in Waldorf and sometimes there is more at Bernie's Framing in La Plata.

Bealle also told me he is committed now to some signings and art shows he will have to be present at from Florida to California.

I'd also be guessing he'll be attending the Waterfowl Festival in Easton this fall. The dates for that huge show are Nov. 13, 14, 15 and I'm sure his painting that won the Federal Duck Stamp contest this year will be on prominent display over there in Easton.

If you visit, pick up one of his business cards, at the least, or maybe consider buying one of his signed copies or original artworks.

This Southern Marylander is a truly exceptional wildlife artist and we're lucky to have such a national talent here among us.

The last thing Bealle said to me when we chatted was, "Nice guys don't always finish last. They just sometimes take a little longer."

That, pretty much, sums up his character and long time quest to finally win this Federal Duck Stamp contest.

This year, it turned out that one of the nicest guys of them all finally came in first.

Wounded Warrior benefit tournament

On Nov. 14 and 15, Buzz's Marina will be the site of a fishing tournament sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 2092 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

The entry fee is $150 and the top three fish will be awarded prizes. Half of the entry fees will go toward those awards and the other half will go directly to the Wounded Warrior Project to support our wounded veterans.

This is for recreational fishermen only. Licensed captains are not welcome at this one.

Register at www.bpoe 2092.org/wwp_fishing.htm.

Buzz's Marina will provide free boat ramp access for participants and fish must be weighed at Buzz's before 4 p.m. each day.

Cross-county connector public forum set Nov. 4

A public forum will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the College of Southern Maryland, La Plata campus' Business and Industry building, Room 113/113E to discuss Charles County's overall growth plans and specifically the cross-county connector.

Speakers will be here to discuss better alternatives to this proposed sprawl-inducing highway that many fear will be a certain death sentence to the Mattawoman Creek. If you've ever wanted to be involved with something that matters deeply to our environment, this cause should be for you.

CCA meeting

The Patuxent River chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland will hold its October meeting at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the St. Mary's County Elk Lodge 2092 on Fire Department Lane in California.

A discussion on the health of the Chesapeake Bay's striped bass is promised.

Doors open at 6:30 for refreshments and fellowship.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Fall hunting seasons

Maryland's early muzzleloader season for white-tailed deer opens on Oct. 22. Here in Region B, antlered or antlerless deer may be killed Oct. 22-24, but antlerless only may be taken Oct. 26-31.

Maryland's fall wild turkey season will run Oct. 31-Nov. 7.

The bag limit is one turkey and the open hunting areas are in far western Maryland — Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties only.

zbasser@aol.com