The Bow Wave

Pastel on Pastelmat (Sold)

45 cm W x 45 cm H
Sunset on Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head, and this Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) was hunting a final meal for the day. Their diet is mainly vegetarian, supplemented by small molluscs, crustaceans, and insects, not bread, which well-meaning but misinformed people often feed them. Due to their “commonness” ducks are often overlooked as subjects to paint, although they have obvious beauty. They are at risk from habitat loss and despite the strong evidence of the extreme suffering involved, four Australian states still allow recreational duck hunting. My artwork aims to draw attention to these ducks, becoming a conversation starter for their protection.