The Junior Duck Stamp Program

2004 Contest - Artist Profile

Lauren Haas
2nd Place

Species: Trumpeter Swan
Entry Title: "Smooth Landing"
Medium: Water Color & Acrylic
Artist's State: Ohio

All those who know Lauren personally have considered her an artist since the age of five. As a child, she carried pencils and paper nearly everywhere for sketching – a grade school teacher once said that on occasion Lauren would “sneak draw” during class time. Currently her favorite medium is oil pastel. She is best known for capturing the beauty of wildlife on canvas – the eyes of her animal subjects have been referred to as “soulful” and “hypnotizing” by some who have viewed them. She loves all types of animals (particularly lions and tigers), and has been characterized by others as having a reverence for God’s creations. It is not surprising that she chooses to contribute artwork in an effort to support the conservation efforts of the Junior Duck Stamp program.

She first entered the Junior Duck Stamp competition as a 7th grader, and has submitted paintings each year since then. While her 2004 painting may not be characteristic of her usual attention to fine detail, she believed this depiction of a graceful swan deserved a soft and somewhat impressionistic approach – thus watercolor was the medium of choice. She considers it an honor to be recognized as the second place winner of the 2004 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest.