Jack M. Ducker

Jack M. Ducker (born before 1890 — death unknown) was a Scottish painter who almost exclusively specialized in highland landscapes. Most of his works are thought to have been created from 1910 until 1930, [Years active have been estimated by numerous art historical references including [http://www.askart.com Askart.com] .] though his paintings are seldom dated. Little is known about Ducker personally, though dozens of his works have been sold at auction (including sales at Bonhams and Christie's, in addition to many other auction houses). Ducker is interchangeably known in art reference sources as J. M. Ducker, J. Ducker, Jack Ducker, [The various versions of Ducker's name have been catalogued on [http://www.findartinfo.com Findartinfo.com] ; [http://www.artnet.com Artnet.com] .] and possibly as John Ducker and James Ducker [It is reasonable to assume that art sales records for John and James Ducker could be referencing the same artist, Jack M. Ducker. Source: [http://www.findartinfo.com Findartinfo.com] .] .

His Artwork

Jack M. Ducker's Barbizon- and traditional English-inspired landscapes emphasize the majestic qualities of the Scottish and British countryside. Most of his artworks feature a muddy, earthy color pallet with an emphasis on the hazy and rust-like color spectrum that the Scottish highland mountains offer. His scenes are idyllic, each often consisting of a similar compositional structure. Rocky mountains are usually the focal point, with additional emphasis on other natural objects such as gnarled, leafy trees, short shrubs, tall green grasses, and motionless lakes and ponds.

There is a serene quality to Ducker's work that contrasts sharply, and attractively, with the grand qualities of the expansive—even overpowering—landscapes he captures. On occasion Ducker includes wildfowl and grazing animals, such as sheep, and the farmers that tend them; though humans and livestock are seldom more than a diminutive addition to his sprawling landscapes. Ducker's brushwork is somewhat tight with an atmospheric quality and his finer details are controlled, though some of his works present a more forgiving brush with a painterly application. He typically signs his paintings in the lower left or right corners with the simple signature "JMDucker," or "JDucker" — occasionally underlining his last name.

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