Robert Bateman (Prints)

On The Pond – Wood Ducks (Print)

Artist's page

Offset Paper; Edition Size 950
15" x 22.5" / 38.10cm x 55.88cm
Unframed (US Dollar): $145.00

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(16 x 24; Canvas Collection; Edition Size 350; $395.00 U.S.)

“Wood ducks are wonderful. I like everything about them and expect that everyone would
agree with me. The male must be the prettiest of all North American ducks, especially
if your taste tends to be glamorous. Many shades of green and purple iridescence vie
with each other as he turns into different angles of light. Brilliant vermillion of eye and
beak are like cherries on top of the burgundy breast. I could go on about the sky blue
of the primaries and the finely etched vermiculation on the flanks, but I would rather
turn my attention to the female. Her plumage is the softest shadings of brown, beige
and grey with subtle flashes of iridescence in certain lights. Her expression is mild and
doe-like. It would not be surprising that she is more to my particular taste than is the male.
My admiration does not stop at their appearance. I love the kind of place where they live.
I have a soft spot in my heart for swamps with the lushness, the still water, the reflections,
the complex light and the abundance of wildlife. Some of my happiest hours have been
spent in and around swamps, watching and listening. Perhaps if I am very lucky I will
hear a prothonotary warbler. But It is always a thrill to hear the shrill, questioning call
of a wood duck as a pair (virtually always a pair) takes off and swiftly, almost
miraculously, dashes between the trees and disappears. The glimpse is worth it.”