'Feathered Friends' — The Duck Print That Started With a Laugh

Kate Shephard
2026-04-21T12:00:14+01:00

I love ducks. I find them genuinely, properly funny.

There's something about the way they waddle — that combination of complete self-importance and total comedy — that gets me every single time. And yet beyond the humour there is real beauty in them too. Because ducks are actually quite extraordinary looking when you stop and really look at them.

It's the colours that fascinate me most. That little mallard on the right in this painting — look at that iridescent greeny blue on his head. That jewel-like colour sitting against all those warm creamy whites and soft tawny browns. It's such a beautiful and unexpected combination and I had so much fun trying to capture it in watercolour.

I painted 'Feathered Friends' on watercolour paper in loose, expressive watercolour layers — the technique I love for animal portraits because the way the washes blend and bloom mirrors the soft, fluid quality of feathers so naturally. The three ducks ended up with such distinct personalities — the two white ones deep in animated conversation on the left, the mallard standing slightly apart on the right with that characteristic air of quiet dignity. I love that there's a story in this print. Something that makes you smile and look twice.

'Feathered Friends' is duck wall art for anyone who loves the countryside, loves animals, or simply appreciates the particular charm of these wonderfully comic birds. It works beautifully as farmhouse home decor, countryside kitchen decor and wall art cottage style — anywhere that needs a touch of gentle character and a good dose of joy.

Available as a fine art paper print in a range of sizes, framed and unframed.