Tag Archives: Young Artists

Taking Flight: An International Youth Bird Art ONLINE EXHIBITION featuring students from the Pagosa Peak Open School in Colorado

We are so inspired by the amazingly talented young bird artists that are exhibiting in this year’s Taking Flight exhibition. Since we all have to be isolated to stay safe, we wanted to bring you a virtual exhibit and a little background about the artists. We still hope to have a physical exhibition of the original art, but we want to share this wonderful work now.

Today, we are featuring three young artists from the Pagosa Peak Open School in Colorado. The young artists are Wynnie Buchner (Age 6), Jayelle Lee (Age 5), and Tevye Zissman (Age 8). Learn more about the school in this wonderful news article featured in the Pagosa Springs Sun.

Rocky Mountain Bluebird Family by Wynnie Buchner (Age 6)

Hummingbird by Jayelle Lee (Age 5)

Hummingbird by Tevye Zissman (Age 8)

Students at the Pagosa Peak Open School Creating Art

Enjoy these pictures from the art classes at the Pagosa Peak Open School in the art class taught by artist and art teacher Karla Parker Choat.

Selected artwork from our 3rd annual Taking Flight juried youth bird art exhibition (Part VIII)

We are extremely excited to display a selection of art from our third annual juried youth bird art exhibition. All artwork will appear in this series of posts. This annual exhibition is open to any children and young adults age 4 to 18 years old. All selected entries will be on display at the Museum of American Bird Art from November 10, 2018 to March 30, 2019. Entries for our fourth annual exhibition will open in January 2019 and close in June 2019.

Come see the artwork on display at the Museum of American Bird Art by appointment or during 3 open houses:

January 26, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

February 23, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

March 23, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Caroline Pollan, Age 13

Hummingbirds are one of my favorite birds not only because they are beautiful, but they can fly unlike any other bird. They are incredibly fast despite their size, so fast that I’ve never been able to take a picture of one. That’s why I painted one of these amazing birds – to try to capture the joy of seeing a hummingbird.

Gentoo at Home, Samantha Taylor, Age 9

Gentoo penguins are my favorite bird. I love how they have such bright orange beaks and feet. I think it’s very interesting how the patterns on their feathers change from being grey and black fluffball babies to 24-inch black, white, and orange adults. The dots and shapes around their eyes are especially cool. They also build interesting nests out of grass and rocks, hunt for food in the water, and waddle around with their young as they grow up. I created this particular image of a Gentoo penguin because the baby is on the parent’s feet. It shows a perfect impression of what a Gentoo penguin family might look like while waiting for family time, lunch or dinner. I also like how the landscape changes from stones galore to a sandy beach to a deep blue ocean to a cloudy sky.

Peacock, Lucy Modern, Age 7

I drew a peak because they have beautiful puffy tails.

Selected artwork from our 3rd annual Taking Flight juried youth bird art exhibition (Part VII)

We are extremely excited to display a selection of art from our third annual juried youth bird art exhibition. All artwork will appear in this series of posts. This annual exhibition is open to any children and young adults age 4 to 18 years old. All selected entries will be on display at the Museum of American Bird Art from November 10, 2018 to March 30, 2019. Entries for our fourth annual exhibition will open in January 2019 and close in June 2019.

Come see the artwork on display at the Museum of American Bird Art by appointment or during 3 open houses:

January 26, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

February 23, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

March 23, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

Sparrow Hawk on a Winter’s Day, Anna Rose, Age 17

I took my reference photos for this piece in my backyard while a Cooper’s Hawk was perched atop my bird feeder. I love Cooper’s Hawks because of their gorgeous yellow eyes and extreme agility. Their free spirit and elegant strength easily makes them one of my most favorite birds.

Sandpiper, Maris Van Vlack, Age 16

This is based off of a picture I took at the beach. I really like the patterns of the feathers and the way that the bird camouflages because its feathers are the same color as the sand.

Raven, Claire Grant, Age 15

I always liked drawing animals. Birds were a bit of a challenge but I always liked to draw their anatomy, more specifically, wings. Hence, I drew a raven flying. As to why I chose a raven, I enjoyed the supernatural lore behind them. People usually associate ravens with witchcraft and cunning. They are one of my favorite birds.

Bluejay, Ethan Cross, Age 11

Hummingbird, Ehtan Cross, Age 7

Selected artwork from our 3rd annual Taking Flight juried youth bird art exhibition (Part VI)

We are extremely excited to display a selection of art from our third annual juried youth bird art exhibition. All artwork will appear in this series of posts. This annual exhibition is open to any children and young adults age 4 to 18 years old. All selected entries will be on display at the Museum of American Bird Art from November 10, 2018 to March 30, 2019. Entries for our fourth annual exhibition will open in January 2019 and close in June 2019.

Come see the artwork on display at the Museum of American Bird Art by appointment or during 3 open houses:

January 26, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

February 23, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

Flamingo, Sabrina Puccio, Age 16

I recently started sketching flamingos after finding some old family photos taken at a zoo’s bird exhibit. Flamingos quickly became a new favorite bird of mine to draw, which is why I decided to enter this piece.

Northern Mockingbirds, Iris Rosenhagen, Age 13

A famous bird, Lady Bird Johnson, once said, “Encourage & support your kids because children are apt to live up to what you believe of them.” Every year, I watch our neighborhood family of mockingbirds raise their young. What stands out most in my mind about Northern Mockingbirds are what remarkable parents they are. Because the fledglings are brought up with so much care, generation after generation grows up to be such supportive parents themselves. The mockingbird parents are protective, nurturing, and they belive in their kids. I’m grateful that my own parents share these values. But I think I’m even more grateful that my parents don’t regurgitate bugs into my mouth. In all seriousness, I like to consider Northern Mockingbirds a symbol of how every parent should be.

Owl Dreaming, Kai Choat, Age 7

Owls are nocturnal, beautiful and mysterious birds.

Cockatiel Perching, Lilia MustopaAge 6

Cockatiels are one of my favorite birds because of their red blush. It is a cockatiel in a pine tree and it is almost night time. I cut the bird out because I didn’t like one of my bird drawings and this one is nicer. There is a pink flower and it has falling out of a tree. For the background, I blended the colors and used salt.

Resting Seagull, Isaiah HuntAge 6

I love going to the beach and running with the seagulls. When I heard of the art contest I thought they were the perfect bird to draw.

Selected artwork from our 3rd annual Taking Flight juried youth bird art exhibition (Part V)

We are extremely excited to display a selection of art from our third annual juried youth bird art exhibition. All artwork will appear in this series of posts. This annual exhibition is open to any children and young adults age 4 to 18 years old. All selected entries will be on display at the Museum of American Bird Art from November 10, 2018 to March 30, 2019. Entries for our fourth annual exhibition will open in January 2019 and close in June 2019.

Come see the artwork on display at the Museum of American Bird Art by appointment or during 3 open houses:

January 26, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

February 23, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

Golden Eagle, Cayla Rosenhagen, Age 13

Through the eyes of a Golden Eagle, the world looks very different. In an age of ever increasing industrialization and reliance on technology, the human eye is often transfixed to a screen. The eagle eye is unencumbered by such trivial notions. They live a simple life, not one without challenges, but one of freedom and soaring to great heights. In their view, mountains reach high into azure skies and crystal-clear streams cascade through forests. Literally and metaphorically, the vision of the Golden Eagle is far more favorable than that of humans. Take the time to look away from those electronic devices. Be among nature. Try to see more of what the eagle eye sees.

Surprised by a Chat, Joel Eckerson, Age 15

One of my favorite moments while birding was in the dead of winter. I was sitting in front of a desolate thicket, when out of nowhere a bright yellow cheery Chat popped up and gave me unforgettable views. A Chat is cool to see in the Summer but in the Winter the colors just pop and it will change your day in the flick of a switch.

Peacock, Amelie Hunt, Age 5

I love all the colors of a peacock. They have some shine so I added a little glitter to add to the design of their pretty feathers.

Eagle Taking Flight, Martin King, Age 7

This is a drawing of a bald eagle. The bald eagle is an American symbol. I like bald eagles because they are beautiful birds. They have dark feathers on their body and white feathers on their head. I have seen pictures of bald eagles in books and on the computer, and I have seen live ones in the zoo. In this drawing, a bald eagle is taking flight.

Selected artwork from our 3rd annual Taking Flight juried youth bird art exhibition (Part IV)

We are extremely excited to display a selection of art from our third annual juried youth bird art exhibition. All artwork will appear in this series of posts. This annual exhibition is open to any children and young adults age 4 to 18 years old. All selected entries will be on display at the Museum of American Bird Art from November 10, 2018 to March 30, 2019. Entries for our fourth annual exhibition will open in January 2019 and close in June 2019.

Come see the artwork on display at the Museum of American Bird Art by appointment or during 3 open houses:

January 26, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

February 23, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

Shoebill Stork, Mackenzie Casto, Age 12

I think the Shoebill Stork ties into the theme of favorite birds because it is one of the most unique birds alive today. It is also one of the birds that many people do not know exist. A quick look at the Shoebill Stork will make you think you are in the Jurassic time period because it looks prehistoric and that why it is one of my favorite birds!

The Cranes, Elizabeth Guan, Age 9

It’s about cranes enjoying the Spring, back from migration.

Mouse Watch Out, Luca Nielsen, Age 10

This winter, I visited my grandparents in Germany. They live in an area where you can see many birds of prey and found this picture in a book, so I it.

Selected Artwork for Taking Flight 2018: Our Juried Youth Bird Art Exhibition (Part 1)

We are extremely excited to display a selection of art from our third annual juried youth bird art exhibition. All artwork will appear in this series of posts. This annual exhibition is open to any children and young adults age 4 to 18 years old. All selected entries will be on display at the Museum of American Bird Art from November 10, 2018 to March 30, 2019. Entries for our fourth annual exhibition will open in January 2019 and close in June 2019.

Come see the works on display at the Museum of American Bird Art by appointment or during 3 open houses

January 26, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

February 23, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

March 23, 2019 from 12 to 2 pm

Hummingbird, Alyssa Courchesne, Age 11

For art class, we were asked to choose a photograph of a bird and create a John James Audubon inspired oil pastel bird drawing. As my bird I chose the hummingbird. I chose the hummingbird because to me it symbolizes peace, happiness, and grace. The hummingbird represents peace to me because it brings back memories when I sat on my Memere’s lap and looked out as the glistening lake. I can remember looking out at the lake and seeing the birds just barely touching the water with the tips of their wings. The hummingbird represents grace to me because I am a dancer. When I look at these birds gracefully flying through the air I remember dancing on stage to the song “Stand by Me.” The hummingbird represents happiness to me because of all the bright colors. The bright colors shown on these birds remind me of spring. All of the reasons above are why I chose a hummingbird for this project.

Peafowl,Evan Whang, Age 4

Evan has been fascinated with birds from a very young age and loves to draw birds of all types. He loves birds that display bright colors, such as the fan of the male peacock. He hopes to see a peacock up close one day!

Secretary Bird, Noah Chan, Age 8

I drew the Secretary Bird because it is a really big bird with crazy feathers! I like how its beak is red and yellow it looks like a red heart. The bird looks super cool in flight. It has super power like eating a snake in one bite! I made this picture cartoonish to capture the bird crazy features!

Electric Ostrich, Brac Buffa, Age 10

The ostrich is a unique bird. It’s height, size, running speed, and attitude make it a strong competitor in the wild. I love the way an ostrich can look with such curiosity and character.

Yellow Warbler, Kaia Couture, Age 11

The meaning behind my artwork is about my favorite color. My favorite color is yellow and I would always draw yellow birds when I was younger. My bird is called the Yellow Warbler. I got the idea to draw this bird from an old book I found in my basement. My favorite bird is the Flamingo, but a flamingo isn’t yellow like my favorite color. I also looked at more pictures to get an idea of what I wanted to draw, then I drew it! After that I colored it and signed it. That is how and why I chose the bird I did.

Taking Flight Opening Reception

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Twenty creative, excited, and amazing young artists gathered at the Museum of American Bird Art to celebrate the opening of our third annual Taking Flight, an international juried youth bird art exhibition.

2018 Taking Flight young artists, November 10, 2018

We had renowned artist, Sherrie York, as our guest artist. She met all the young artists and taught a fantastic printmaking workshop.

Enjoy this short video recap of our opening reception and a look at each artwork from each artist.

Taking Flight Opening Reception

 

Getting Started With Nature Drawing: Advice for Young Bird Artists from Barry Van Dusen

As part of our annual Taking Flight youth bird art exhibition, different acclaimed bird artists will offer advice to budding young artists. The goal of the Taking Flight exhibition is to create a greater awareness, conservation, and appreciation for birds while fostering the development of young artists and sharing their work with the public. Submissions accepted March 1–June 15, 2018. Click here for more information.

Our first post is by internationally recognized wildlife artist, Barry Van Dusen, who was recently an artist in residence at the Museum of American Bird Bird and meet with the young bird artists in the 2017 Taking Flight exhibition.

 

If you’re serious about becoming a good naturalist and a good artist, start keeping a nature journal/ sketchbook to record your observations.

A young artist looking closely and sketching what she notices

Learn to look carefully and NOTICE what you see.

Young artists sketchbook

It’s more important to OBSERVE carefully and RECORD your discoveries than it is to make pretty pictures in your sketchbook.   Try to LEARN SOMETHING NEW each time you use your sketchbook

Young artist’s sketchbook in winter

Make WRITTEN NOTES along with your drawings to help you remember what you observe.

When you’re just beginning, practice drawing leaves, twigs, pinecones, seashells, crab shells, dead insects and other natural object you find outdoors.   These things do not move, so you can take your time to look at and draw them.

Draw the plants and flowers you find in a garden.

Try to draw the SHAPES you see with simple line drawings.  Drawing accurate shapes takes lots of PRACTICE!   Artists call these “contour drawings”.

Visit museums to observe and draw the stuffed animals, skeletons, and other specimens.

It may sound gross, but drawing from freshly dead birds (window strikes or birds hit by cars), is also a great way to practice drawing and to learn about animals.  (Give the birds a proper burial after you draw them.)

You can practice drawing subjects like birds from photographs, too.  Start with sketchy lines to block out the bird.

Notice the proportion of the head to the body, and the different angles made by the bill, tail, wing and legs.   The birds in the photographs don’t move, so you can take your time.

There are lots of places where you can get close to live animals and try drawing them:

Bird feeders…

Farms…

Frog Ponds…

Parks and Duck Ponds…

Zoos and Nature Centers…

Fish Hatcheries and Aquariums…

and Butterfly Conservatories…

…to name just a few.

Most important is to HAVE FUN and enjoy learning about Nature! 

The goal of the Taking Flight exhibition is to create a greater awareness and appreciation for birds while fostering the development of young artists and sharing their work with the public. Submissions accepted March 1–June 15, 2018. Click here for more information.

 

Young Artists Take Flight

On Friday September 23rd, many young artists who had their artwork accepted into our inaugural youth bird art exhibition:Taking Flight, were able to see their art displayed, meet other young artists and David Sibley, and celebrate with friends and family. Here are a few pictures from that wonderful evening.

YoungArtists-19YoungArtists-2YoungArtists-15YoungArtists-22

Here is a gallery with more photos

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If you would like to see photos of each piece of art, check out these links. Each page has selected artwork exhibited in Taking Flight:

  1. https://blogs.massaudubon.org/takingflight/selected-artwork-from-taking-flight-a-juried-youth-bird-art-exhibition/
  2. https://blogs.massaudubon.org/takingflight/selected-artwork-from-taking-flight-our-juried-youth-bird-art-exhibition-part-ii/
  3. https://blogs.massaudubon.org/takingflight/selected-artwork-from-taking-flight-our-juried-youth-bird-art-exhibition-part-iii/
  4. https://blogs.massaudubon.org/takingflight/selected-artwork-from-taking-flight-our-juried-youth-bird-art-exhibition-part-iv/
  5. https://blogs.massaudubon.org/takingflight/selected-artwork-from-taking-flight-our-juried-youth-bird-art-exhibition-part-v/
  6. https://blogs.massaudubon.org/takingflight/selected-artwork-from-taking-flight-our-juried-youth-bird-art-exhibition-part-vi/