Minnesota wildlife artist David Maass of Long Lake has been named Ducks Unlimited's 2013 Artist of the Year – the fourth time he has won the award, more than any other artist. "I don't think an artist who paints mainly waterfowl and upland birds could have a higher honor than being named Ducks Unlimited's Artist of the Year,'' Maass said in a news release. "And winning it for the fourth time in a career is almost unbelievable." His winning painting for 2013, shown above, is called "Pitching into Cypress.'' An avid conservationist, Maass has fostered the protection and restoration of wildlife habitat through his involvement with DU's Artist of the Year program, winning top honors in 1974, 1988 and 2004. He has also designed 38 duck and conservation stamps, including two federal duck stamps. "David Maass is a pillar in the wildlife art community and has been an integral part of DU's Artist of the Year and overall art programs for nearly 40 years," DU CEO Dale Hall said. "His amazing artwork and his dedication to waterfowl and wetlands conservation have earned him much-deserved awards throughout his career.'' Ducks Unlimited's art program has raised more than $300 million for the organization's wetlands conservation mission over 40 years, $36 million of which has come from the Artist of the Year program. "DU's art program has created a mutually beneficial stage for wildlife artists and conservation," Hall said. "When our supporters buy or bid on art at DU events, their dollars allow more habitat acres to be conserved for the ducks. At the same time, appreciation for wildlife art grows, broadening the market and increasing success for the artists." "Pitching into Cypress" limited-edition prints will be available exclusively at Ducks Unlimited events beginning in January.