A painting of chukar has been chosen by a panel of judges as the winning entry in the 2022-2023 California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest. The painting was created by Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind.Klinefelter previously placed first in the 2021-22, 2019-20, 2018-19 and 2017-18 California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art contests, as well as the 2020-21 California Duck Stamp Art Contest.Sponsored by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the annual contest determined the official design for this year’s California Upland Game Bird Stamp.#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Contest entries were judged by a panel of experts selected for their knowledge in the fields of ornithology, conservation, art and printing. Designs were judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.The judges were initially drawn to the attention to detail in Klinefelter’s painting, especially in the feathers on the rump and wing cover. They also highlighted the accurate coloring of the feathers. They appreciated that the chukar looked healthy and well-fed with realistic anatomy and noted their believable proportions in relation to the background. This background habitat impressed the judges as well, reminding them of a snowy grassland in the northeastern corner of California.Coloration and habitat were two of the biggest challenges for Klinefelter when he was planning his painting. “There are no chukars in Indiana,” he said, “and pen-raised ones aren’t as colorful, so I had to do some research. Also, photos can throw you as far as coloration since photographers tend to increase color intensity.” The research paid off, however, as the judges specifically noted the accuracy of the color and background in Klinefelter’s painting. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });