Duck Stamp

Northern Shoveler

9 in x 12 in

Watercolor

For this assignment, we were asked to create a piece for the Duck Stamp competition. The criteria for this competition included the specific size requirements (9 in x 12 in) and that the composition had to be original. I chose to have my subject be an adult male Northern Shoveler duck, and I chose to have a single subject in a coastal marshland.

To make this painting, I started by sketching out the duck using a few references photos that I gathered. From there, I used layering techniques to get the most detailed and accurate painting of the duck as I could. While the duck is more detailed and scientifically correct, I made the background of the water, the marshes, and the horizon much more freely painted and more suggestive. I wanted to create this contrast so that the attention of the viewer would be on the duck rather than the background.

Overall, I am very pleased with how my duck stamp painting turned out. If I could back and change anything about my piece, however, I would add another duck, possibly a female or a juvenile, so that the painting had more than one subject. I think that would make my painting more interesting and well-rounded.