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WN watercolour on 300g smooth hot pressed Arches 100% cotton rag watercolour paper. Original 280×200mm.
Plumed Whistling Ducks are commonly found near water, however unlike many ducks they feed by cropping grass on land. I’ve been fortunate to regularly encounter flocks in the wild throughout Queensland.
This painting was commissioned for a colleague who studies the ecology and epidemiology of these ducks in the field.
Work in progress: ducks were fully masked, and ground was masked and washed alternately in roughly six layers, building the depth of wash. Ducks were later painted individually, with multiple layers of pale washes, alternating with fine brushstrokes. Foreground was toned down and shadows were added. 
I’m passionate about ecology, wildlife epidemiology and environmental conservation. I hope that I can raise awareness about the conservation of biodiversity through my art and research (currently researching the devastating fungal disease, chytridiomycosis, which is threatening frogs worldwide). Help spread the word about conservation!
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Comments
amazing watercolour full of detail Laura .. I enjoyed seeing and reading the steps taken to completion…congratulations on this wonderful commissioned piece of art.
Thanks so much Linda! I’m enjoying experimenting with washes and masking fluid!
– Laura Grogan
Outstanding watercolour work Laura, a time consuming process but well worth it !
Thanks Lorus! Yes, quite time consuming, but I’m happy to say that I’m becoming a lot more comfortable with watercolour and somewhat more efficient!
– Laura Grogan
Goodness me! I can hardly believe my eyes! This is an absolutely splendid watercolour Laura, and you must have so much patience. It is absolutely beautiful.
Thanks so much for your lovely comments Lynda!!
– Laura Grogan
spectacular Laura! love the “who you lookin at!”-look of the front duck trying to have a rest ;-)
Haha, hadn’t realised that, thanks Marie! I decided in the end to run with this composition – knew the other version would have been a little beyond my skill level! I’ll probably get to it eventually! :)
– Laura Grogan
Outstanding !! I almost passed it by as I thought it was an enhanced photo. A masterpiece in watercolour, thanks for showing the step by step. Truly beautiful x
Thanks so much Anita, you are too kind!
– Laura Grogan
they are just darling I love their wings!
Thanks Patricia – they are beautiful birds!
– Laura Grogan
This is beautiful Laura and I think you are not only proficient now, you have mastered this really hard technique and medium :-) Bravo!!!
Wow, thanks for your very generous comment Constance! I certainly haven’t mastered watercolour, but I’m getting a bit more comfortable with it at least!
– Laura Grogan
Simply beautiful Laura – all your work is masterful and I love how this one has fabulous detail and then blends softly into the background :)
Thanks so much Karen! I’m really keen to develop my skill with watercolour wash techniques!
– Laura Grogan
Wow utterly fantastic. Such skill and beauty here. Wonderful!
Thank you so much!
– Laura Grogan
Superb work. this is a wonderful painting.
Thanks Scallyart!
– Laura Grogan