Waterbirds in the Landscape Week 2: Ducks

September 7, 2023

Same photo but showing the larger landscape or in this case reflection!

Having looked at the heron last week standing upright on the river bank, with its long neck and head turned toward the water intently looking for prey, this week our attention turns to the ducks who more often than not are found with their body mass in a much more horizontal position. That is till they amuse us by upending and diving for a tasty morsel of weed or start waddling around on the bank.

Upending: note the broad keel and and also reflections of the ducks and trees on the riverbank. Take note of the waves resulting from the bird’s movement.

Compare this with the picture below and think about whether you are going to paint a bird portrait or a picture that is as much about the water as the bird.

The UK is home to many kinds of duck from the teal and eider to the exotic mandarin. They share several common features including a broad flat keel and short neck and legs.

Take note of the body shape; in the water you can see its broad flat keel if its front is facing you when diving. Its neck is short and so are the legs with their webbed feet. Try drawing the duck itself in several different “poses” then look out for what happens to the water as it swims. Perhaps this week you could make a drawing or painting that includes the reflection of the duck in the water and how the water moves around it.

Love the gentle swirl of water around this duck. Compare with the rough water and frenetic activity of the images below.

No idea what was happening here but this pair have quite an audience:
see the wider view below.

Again observe the water from foreground to beyond the posts and the wave patterns resulting from all the activity.

You may even find a situation where the ducks seem to be playfully swimming around while in the background, an ever-watchful heron is poised ready to fish.

During the session we’ll make some rapid duck and water sketches and discuss and start a composition where ducks feature either close up or animating the landscape.

Your paintings: