David A. Maass (American, b. 1929). Oil on masonite painting titled "Season's End: Mallards" depicting a dozen ducks taking wing from a winter pond, 1999. A red barn and farmhouse are visible at the other side of the lake. Signed along the lower right.

Provenance: The Wild Wings Collection; Distinguished Corporate Collection, Minnesota.

Working from Rochester, Minnesota, Maass has designed over 38 duck and conservation stamps and has always felt a deep connection with wildlife ever since his childhood. In reference to this painting, Maass has said:
"We are at same spot where we were on opening day. A couple months have passed and we have reached the last day of the season. Much of the foliage is gone and recent early snowfall has coated the late autumn landscape. The morning's strong north winds have calmed, but with the calm has come an extreme drop in temperature; causing ice to form on the marsh. Our twelve mallards, now completely feathered in their winter plumage, are departing, having decided that for them the season has ended and it is time to head south."
Sight; height: 23 3/4 in x width: 35 3/4 in. Framed; height: 31 3/4 in x width: 44 in. The colors are bold and bright and the surface is stable. No visible cracks, losses, or restorations when inspected under UV light. Light wear to the frame; verso not inspected.