Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
A quiet late-afternoon stillness settles over this scene, and the three mallards glide through it with effortless calm. The artist has rendered the drakes' iridescent green heads and the female's warm, patterned plumage with careful, reassuring detail—each feather feels observed rather than stylized. Muted golds and soft browns in the reeds and reflected water create a gentle, autumnal warmth that frames the birds without competing for attention. The composition's horizontal sweep, paired with the soft mirrored reflections, gives the image a peaceful, almost meditative rhythm; the cattails at the right provide a familiar, homey touch of wetland life. For someone drawn to natural quiet and meticulous wildlife observation, this print offers the familiar comfort of marshland evenings and the quiet dignity of waterfowl moving through their element.
The Artwork
About Afternoon Mallards Limited Edition Print
AFTERNOON MALLARDS, LIMITED EDITION PRINT
In a remarkably short time, Richard has risen to become a leading waterfowl artist. Since 1991 when he won his first duck stamp contest, this self-taught painter has created 23 state stamps—making him the fifth most-awarded duck stamp artist of all time. Richard was selected to paint the 1996 Australian duck stamp, in 1997 he won the New Hampshire contest for the third time, and in 1998 he became the first three-time winner in his home state of Delaware. His work has been displayed at the nation’s finest art shows, including the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and the Oklahoma Wildlife Art Show, and he has been Ducks Unlimited artist of the year. A dedicated conservationist, Richard has set aside several acres of family farmland as waterfowl habitat.
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
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About the Collection
Blending wildlife conservation themes with masterful realism, these detailed waterfowl and bird paintings capture the beauty and precision of nature with highly detailed brushwork and atmospheric landscapes. Featuring North American bird species in their natural habitats, each piece showcases rich textures, lifelike avian portraits, and tranquil wetland scenes that celebrate the delicate balance of wildlife and nature. Known for award-winning duck stamp paintings, these works highlight sporting and conservation art traditions, preserving the legacy of wildlife habitats through fine art. Whether depicting migratory waterfowl, serene marshland settings, or iconic bird species, these immersive and meticulously crafted paintings serve as both stunning visual experiences and meaningful tributes to nature’s beauty and conservation efforts.
Artist Signature
Signed by the artist
This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by Richard Clifton.
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
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Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
"Richard Clifton, a Delaware native, is a self-taught artist who has chosen the
classic genre of waterfowl as his specialty. His success has been marked by
numerous accolades. Since 1991, when he won his first duck stamp contest,
Clifton has accumulated nineteen state stamps in just eight years—placing him
fifth on the all-time duck stamp list for awards. Richard was selected to paint
the 1996 Australian duck stamp. In 1997, he won the New Hampshire contest for
the third time and in 1998, he became the first three-time winner in his home
state. In 1999, Richard agreed to paint the New York and New Jersey duck stamps
bringing his total number of stamps to twenty-three over all. Richard s work
has been shown at the country s finest art shows, including the Southeastern
Wildlife Exposition and the Oklahoma Wildlife Art Show and he has been chosen
artist of the year by many conservation groups and Ducks U"
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