Image 1 of 1
The story behind the art.
Je Ne Sais Quack began one sunny spring morning in Paris. We bought strong coffee, shiny fruit, and flaky pastries that were carried over to the Bois de Boulogne for a spontaneous picnic.
I spent the morning sketching the beautiful lake and taking photos, when a Mandarin duck caught my eye. I’m not sure why I fell for this particular character. He just had that certain something, that je ne sais quack.
The decision to paint him came later that summer in Florence. Standing in the Uffizi Gallery in front of Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, I found myself studying the waves and wondering how difficult it would be to paint water well.
I decided there, and then that water in oils would be my next challenge.
The water in my photo was full of ripples, sparkles, and reflections from the trees and sky. I struggled with it until I finally loosened up, grabbed an acrylic marker and scribbled all over it. Suddenly, the messy, natural lines started to work.
The scene itself is simple: a duck on a lake. But male Mandarin ducks are anything but simple, with extraordinary colours and feathers that look a little like a beautifully tailored, slightly flamboyant waistcoat.
A simple setting, a particularly handsome duck, and a painting that pushed me to try something new.
Je Ne Sais Quack
🦆
Printed from my original painting, Je Ne Sais Quack, this colourful A3 art print features a magnificent mandarin duck gliding across a Parisian lake in all his feathered finery.
Je Ne Sais Quack was selected for The 100th Sefton Open Exhibition, held at The Atkinson in Southport from 28th March – 30th May 2026.
A very proud little moment for one very fancy duck. The original oil painting is currently for sale. Get in touch for more information.
• A3 art print (297 × 420mm)
• Printed on Unicorn White Chunky 250gsm paper
• Full-colour print
• Supplied with 790gsm greyboard backing
• Packaged in a protective cello bag
• Unframed
• Signed by the artist
• Includes a certificate of authenticity
🦆
Inspired by a photo of a mandarin duck swimming around a lake in Paris, this playful card brings together soft water ripples, reflections, and a dapper little duck.
Printed from my original painting, Je Ne Sais Quack, this A5 greeting card features a wonderfully colourful mandarin duck drifting across a Parisian lake and is perfect for bird lovers, pun appreciators, and anyone who enjoys art with a little personality.
• A5 folded greeting card
• Printed on premium 350gsm cardstock
• Satin finish
• Blank inside
• Includes Kraft brown envelope
• Packaged in a protective cello bag
