Mallard
Deborah Trent, 2025 · Watercolor / Pen on paper
Mallards are strikingly colorful ducks—many show an almost iridescent sheen in their feathers.
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Inspiration
A little housekeeping—preening feathers to maintain waterproofing and insulation as well as hygiene.
Artistic Process
I wanted the duck's head to read especially vibrant—set against the more muted body—and I took some creative liberties with the palette to heighten that contrast.
- Brushes: Round (0, 2), 1" stroke, ½" fan, ¼" grainer.
- Paints & ink: Lunar Black, Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, Sap Green, Phthalocyanine Green, Burnt Sienna, Titanium White; White Micron pen ink.
Reflections
Another waterfowl on my list to paint: the Common Loon.
Date of Creation
March 01, 2025