The Gilded Drake (Open Edition)

The Story

A single male Mallard duck with an emerald green head floating in profile on water reflecting bright orange and gold sunset light.

The Location

Captured along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, this image reflects the specific ecology, light, and heritage of a region unlike any other on the Atlantic coast. From the tidal creeks of Southern Maryland to the open waters of the Bay, every frame tells a story rooted in place.

Artist's Perspective

"Everyone overlooks the Mallard — it's the bird people think they know. But put a drake in golden sunset light on water that's reflecting autumn colors, and suddenly you see it fresh. That emerald head against the amber is complementary color perfection. I wanted to give the most common duck on the Bay the portrait it deserves." — Ryan Lott

Curator's Recommendation

The horizontal orientation (landscape cut) makes this piece well-suited for living rooms, offices, and above fireplaces. Available as a fine art paper print or archival-quality framed canvas in white or black. Particularly well-suited for medical and wellness spaces seeking calming, contemplative imagery.

Print Quality

Archival-Quality Canvas. Made in the USA with globally sourced materials.

Every Chesapeake Focus print is produced on archival-grade poly-cotton canvas using UL GREENGUARD GOLD certified inks — water resistant, fade resistant, and anti-yellowing. Each canvas is hand-stretched over kiln-dried stretcher bars that are knot-free and warp-free, then finished with your choice of hardwood floater frame in matte black, white, brown, or natural. Ready to hang right out of the box.

Stretcher bars sourced from FSC-certified, sustainably managed forests — a quiet nod to the landscapes our work celebrates.