Copiah County native Tony Biagi has received many awards andhonors during his 43 years as a professional artist.

So when his work was recently chosen by the Mississippi WildTurkey Federation (MWTF) as the 2006 Stamp Print of the Year, onemight think the recognition would not personally resonate withBiagi. The Brookhaven resident, though, spoke with a certain glowas he told of the honor and gave insight into his life as a painterand outdoor enthusiast.

Biagi’s work was chosen by the MWTF Board of Directors, awildlife conservation and fund-raising group, and will be placed ona $5 stamp to be used for fund-raising. On March 4, Biagi willattend a Banquet in Hattiesburg where he will receive a plaque andbe named MWFT Stamp Print Artist of the Year.

His award-winning stamp print was originally a 16-by-20-inchwater color painting on canvas. And, as with most of his work, theaward-winning work began with wildlife photography.

Biagi frequents certain taxidermists, personal friends who takegreat detail in their work. Biagi then returns home, where hespends hours studying the intricate details of his subjects. Biagibelieves “your work is only as good as your research.”

“You must know your subject inside and out,” he said.

Subsequently, Biagi religiously counts the feathers of theanimals he is painting. He began this practice after an artcollector told him his work was attractive, but did not possess thedetail that great paintings do.

“It’s not just a pretty painting, it’s an accurate painting,”Biagi said.

Biagi now reportedly earns the praise of art collectors,dignitaries, and ordinary outdoor enthusiasts. His philosophy ofpainting is pretty cut and dry: if he doesn’t work, he doesn’teat.

“Professional artists don’t get inspired. If you wait to getinspired you’ll starve to death,” he said.

Biagi is a bit of a pragmatist. He does what works, and it’sbeen working now for well over 40 years.

Biagi, a decorated veteran, discovered his artistic gift afterhe was injured and hospitalized on a mission in Vietnam. During histwo-month stay in the hospital, Biagi became despondent and prayedthat God would be with him.

One day, God answered his prayers when a Red Cross workervisited Biagi and gave him a paint by numbers set. Biagi enjoyedthe gift and quickly began putting it to use.

However, he soon abandoned the elementary painting books andbegan looking through magazines for new material.

Before long, hospital patients and Army officials weresoliciting Biagi for personal paintings. After completing apainting, he would give the work away free of charge.

Biagi soon realized that there was quite a market for his artwork.

Upon his return to America, Biagi began painting each eveningafter returning from the office. Each day he would follow the sameroutine.

He’d come home, eat supper and retire to his upstairs studiowhere he would work continuously for four to five hours. His wifesoon brought to his attention that he was making more moneypainting at night and on weekends than he did during the week.

Biagi requested a discharge from the U.S. Army and never lookedback.

Since the late 60s, Biagi has painted professionally and hascompleted between 80 and 90 prints. He has sold most of them.

A few originals remain hanging from the wall of his home. Alsoadorning the walls of his residence are many of his limited editionprints.

Although Biagi has specialized in wildlife painting, he hasrecently incorporated this subject matter into other medium such assculpting and wood carving. Biagi’s other interests include CivilWar-era paintings. Biagi has painted university campuses bycommission and has sold original works to individuals andcorporations throughout the United States and Europe.