I’m excited to share my one of my latest watercolor paintings with you all! This one is special—it’s a bit larger than the pieces I typically work on, and it features a subject that’s both elegant and familiar: a mallard duck.
Painting “Calcasieu” was a rewarding challenge, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. His iridescent green head and detailed feathers made him a striking centerpiece in my last show, What a Wonderful World. There’s something timeless about mallards; their graceful presence on ponds and lakes is a reminder of the beauty in everyday wildlife.
A Spotlight on Mallard Ducks
Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are one of the most recognizable and widespread duck species in the world. Known for their vibrant plumage and adaptability, they’re a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Here are a few fascinating facts about mallards that inspired my painting:
- The Classic Look: Male mallards, like the one I painted, are known for their stunning green heads, white neck rings, and chestnut-colored breasts. Females, in contrast, have a mottled brown appearance that helps them blend into their surroundings during nesting.
- Quacking Isn’t Universal: While the female mallard its the one that quacks, male mallards make quieter, raspier sounds.
- Adaptable Habitats: Mallards can be found in a variety of environments, from city parks to remote wetlands. Their ability to adapt has made them one of the most successful waterfowl species.
- Diet and Foraging: These ducks are omnivores, feeding on seeds, aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. You’ll often see them dabbling—tipping forward to forage underwater while their tails stick up in the air.
- Mating Plumage: The males’ vibrant colors are part of their breeding display to attract females. Outside of breeding season, their plumage becomes duller, more closely resembling the females.
Preparing for the Show
“Calcasieu” is one of the larger pieces I featured in my last show in Thibodaux, and he now lives with my grandfather in New Iberia, Louisiana. Each piece in this show told a story about the Louisiana wildlife that inspires me, and I love how much they resonated with you all!
A Personal Note
Watercolor is such an expressive medium, and capturing the essence of a mallard’s plumage—the shimmer of green, the subtle texture of feathers—was a joy and a challenge. I’m always looking to push my limits, and this piece feels like a step forward in my artistic journey.
Thank you for being part of my creative process! Whether it’s through your comments, suggestions, or simply your encouragement, it all fuels my passion for art.