Artist: David A. Maass
Title: Heart of the Timber
Edition Size: Handsigned and Numbered Limited Edition to 50
Medium: Fine Art Canvas Giclee
Image Dimensions: 24" x 36"
About the Artist: When David Maass was a young boy, he raised pigeons at his home in Rochester, Minnesota, where he was born on November 27, 1929. He also like to bring home orphaned birds and animals of the few species that easily adapt to city life. But in a state of wildlife artists, a city is not the best place for a boy to develop a keen interest in wildlife. Hunting ran in the family, and his mother, Ora, was a former Minnesota trap-shooting champion. Consequently, his stepfather, "Kelley", took him hunting whenever he could.

David. Maass started his career without the help of any formal art education, but he was gifted with incredible talent. He was aided by wonderful friends and driven by an exceptionally strong will that helped him become one of the top wildlife artists today. When the subject of wildlife art is discussed, Mr. Maass' paintings often become part of the conversation.

After his graduation from high school, David Maass landed his first job, working for a leading manufacturer of high school and college jewelry. His first work was in the tool and die department. Within a year and a half, he was transferred to the art department and ultimately became are director. Another excellent wildlife artist, Stu Ferreira, worked in the department. He helped David. Maass improve his technique and gave him the encou4ragement he needed to continue painting.

When he finished his two-year hitch in the Marines, he headed straight back to his home state to set up housekeeping.

David Maass did reap some benefits from his time in California, however. It was there that he met and became friends with a fine wildlife artist, David Hagerbaumer. Mr. Hagerbaumer's persistent coaching and constructive criticism were important in helping Mr. Maass perfect some of the fine points of wildlife art.

In addition to Mr. Hagerbaumer, David Maass has always admired Owen Gromme; designer of the twelfth Duck Stamp. Mr. Gromme's knowledge of his environment and of the anatomy of his subjects was astounding. When David Maass won the Duck Stamp contest, Mr. Gromme was creating some of his finest works at age 78.

In addition to his win in the Duck Stamp contest, Mr. Maass was selected by Ducks Unlimited as Artist of the Year for 1974. He feels that this was the greatest honor that he ever received because the award comes from the vote of more than 700 Ducks Unlimited officers, conservationists, and hunters who know the birds and their habitats well. Unlike many competitions, it is not a contest in which one particular work is chosen as the best. It is an all-encompassing award for outstanding ability in the field of wildlife art.