Mark Thone Art
Art inspired by nature and the outdoor world ~ paintings sculpture and other artworks
Computer screens vary from the original!
September 2024
After a long break from entering the USFWS Federal Duck Stamp Competition, finishing 7th and 10th with past entries, I'm back at it!
My goal was to enter and make it through the first round into the second round of three.
With only two weeks devoted to this painting, I was more focused on my MN Fish Stamp entries, I made it with 3 "in" votes and on to the second round. I'm disappointed with the Flickr images but the stamp is judged in person without the off and often different color from computer screens! My entry was much brighter than either of the images from the electronic screens pictured to the left.
Next Year's Minnesota Trout Stamp ~ Rainbow Trout
Aug 2024
I entered both the 2025 Trout and walleye stamp competitions.
My Rainbow Trout won the 2025 Trout Stamp and my Walleye was second... (again)
The Walleye is my last Minnesota Conservation Stamp that I need to win in order to get the complete series. I'll work on that particular stamp while I try for doubling up on others ;)
June 2024
I have lots of options for framing and prints are shipping out to local frame shops and galleries so reserve your favorite number now.
May 17th
2024 Minnesota Pheasant Stamp is finally out and ready for my prints!
Above~An actual studio occurrence.
Each year we try to help out the local Monarch Butterfly population. We have lots of host plants and flowers and raise a few inside in a controlled environment~ Occasionally they decide to wander while looking for that ideal metamorphosis location!
April 2024~
Digital scans of the 2024 Minnesota Pheasant Print are complete and the image was off to the printer for proofing and the print is now done. The Minnesota DNR "tries" to releases the actual stamp sometime between late March and May. I see that they have posted that the 2024 stamp is available to order but as of yet I have not received my order that was placed early in March...
September 28, 2023
~Minnesota Pheasant Stamp virtual judging takes place this Thursday.
The tally so far is ...
(4) consecutive Second Place Finishes ~last year's lost by one point.
(2) Third Place Finishes
Thursday 11:40 AM I got a call, 🎉I'm the Winner 🎉
I had another new painting ready to go and was debating which one to send in for this years contest. I guess this one works!
My iPhone Picture below, DNR Press Release soon.
The Minnesota DNR with a Fun Pun announcing the win!
*Fun Fact... Stephen and I played on the Same "Old Man" Hockey team long ago!
On The Easel:
Minnesota Stamp competitions and entering the Federal Duck Stamp!
Getting outside and observing the spring migration and getting the 2024 Minnesota Pheasant Stamp Print produced and framing options figured out.
It has been a slow spring for the migration with small numbers of waterfowl on the local ponds so my outings have not been especially successful for ducks. My goal while on a spring waterfowl photo outing is always to get pictures of upcoming duck stamp contest species, but any good shot of most anything for future work is all I can hope for. I have also spent many hours sifting through my past photos in preparation for Federal Duck Stamp mock ups, and I have starting on rough drawings and color.
Some of my photos that inspire my art:
Watching a leap of faith is one of life's greatest moments.
This was a once in a life time event that will produce some fantastic art pieces!
Eagles grouping up right before the winter freeze up.
