Sunday, January 26, 2014

Day 8 - 30/30 Challenge - BIG Duck!


Big Duck
Watercolor, 6" x 6", $35
SOLD!

In the grip of a polar vortex(!), I needed to look forward to spring, so I found some pictures of the Big Duck in Flanders, NY, taken last March.

What is the Big Duck? The Big Duck is a very sweet (now) landmark building envisioned by duck farmer Martin Maurer, and built by Broadway set designers, the Collins Brothers, and crafted by locals George Reeve, John Smith, and Merlin Yeager in 1931. (Long Island was home to hundreds of duck farms - "Long Island duckling" was a big thing!) It is made of cement (its eyes are Model T tail lights!) and Mr. Maurer sold ducks and duck eggs from its tummy. The Duck has moved a couple of times, is taken care of by Friends of the Big Duck, and is now a tourism center for the East End.

So, here's a confession - whenever I drive out to the south fork of Long Island, I shout out, "Hi Duck!" as I pass him. Have I mentioned that I'm six years old? (Oh, and for the record? He has an air conditioner in his butt. Jus' sayin'.)


6 comments:

  1. What a neat bit of history, and for a minute, I thought you had made this critter up - I love interesting things in history like this, thanks for sharing - this painting is very bright and cheery!

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    1. Thanks and you're welcome! I just love this guy. I especially like when they decorate him for Christmas. I want to get out there when they "light the Duck."

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  2. Would you like to join our Pinterest Board "Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 Challenge?"

    You can visit the board here: http://www.pinterest.com/charming1/leslie-saeta-30-in-30-challenge/

    You can send your email to my email at susan@susanejones.com if you are not already on Pinterest. If you are already on Pinterest, we much follow each other first before I can send an invitation. You can find me at susan e jones colorful and charming art (www.pinterest.com/charming1)

    Happy Painting!
    Susan

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    1. Yes! that'd be great!
      So, I followed that board. Do I need to follow YOU? I'm http://www.pinterest.com/susiemermaid/ and my email is mermaidsue@gmail.com.

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