Je Ne Sais Quack

Je Ne Sais Quack began one sunny morning in Paris. ☀️

It was a beautiful spring day that started with strong coffee and the purchase of shiny, plump fruit and flaky pastries. We carried them over to the Bois de Boulogne for a spontaneous picnic, where I sat on the grass happily stuffing my face, admiring the beauty of this gorgeous park, and congratulating myself on some excellent life decisions.

I took photos and sketched the lake in front of me, keen to remember this perfect start to a long Parisian weekend. 🇫🇷

While walking around the lake, a Mandarin duck caught my eye. I took quite a few photos that day, but completely fell for this particular character.

Why? I’m not entirely sure.

He just had that certain something.

That je ne sais quack. 🦆

The decision to paint him came later that summer. While visiting Florence, I was standing in the Uffizi Gallery in front of The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli when I noticed myself studying the waves. They are not the main focus of the painting, but they made me wonder how difficult it must be to paint water well. I decided then and there that capturing water in oil would be my next challenge. 🌊

Turns out, it’s quite tricky.

In the reference photo, the water ripples and reflects the trees and sky above it. The sparkles, shifts and tree reflections were all a bit of a minefield. The breakthrough came when I loosened up and used an acrylic marker to scribble all over. The lines needed to be messy and natural.

The scene itself is quite simple. A duck on a lake.

But male Mandarin ducks are anything but simple. Their colours are extraordinary, and they look as though they’re wearing a beautifully tailored, slightly flamboyant waistcoat. In Eastern culture they symbolise love and lifelong partnership, which feels rather fitting for such a handsome creature.

A simple setting.
A spectacularly handsome subject.
A playful title.

A painting that pushed me to try something new.

Je ne sais quoi is a French phrase used to describe an indefinable quality. That certain something you can’t quite explain.

This duck had it.

And I wanted to see if I could paint it. 🎨

The original Je Ne Sais Quack painting is still for sale and is an oil on canvas measuring 50 × 60 cm.

The piece will soon be varnished and professionally framed, ready to find its forever wall.

If you’re interested in giving this very well-dressed gentleman a new home, I’d love to hear from you.

Please get in touch via email to enquire about availability, pricing, or shipping.

A3 prints of Je Ne Sais Quack are available and printed on beautiful heavyweight paper to preserve the colours and details of the original painting.

They make a joyful addition to kitchens, studios, living rooms, or anywhere that could use a little colour and a very distinguished duck.

Greeting cards of this piece are also available.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, I can also provide posters, smaller print sizes, and framed prints in a variety of frame colours. At markets I sell framed prints, unframed prints, and greeting cards, so if you’ve seen something in person and would like a similar option online, feel free to get in touch.

Send me an email if you’re looking for something specific.

Unframed A3 prints are available to purchase on this website.

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