Kim Middleton Workshop
Painting Birds of Prey
DATE: October 22 - 26, 2012
COST: $550
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate/advanced
Painting Birds of Prey is an in-depth workshop balancing classroom work, studio time, and field excursions. This workshop is loaded with information on hawks, eagles, falcons and owls, and full of tips on creating inspiring, compelling, and convincing representational art of raptors.
The workshop explores the anatomy of the bird in order to utilize the structure of the skull to create realistic bird portrayals, learn to abstract the feathers yet maintain plumage pattern and overall form, and convey characteristics in their proper shape, proportion and color according to the bird’s age, sex, and species. Studying and understanding the nuances of raptor behavior and body language enables the artist control over the subjects mood and the essence of their work. Participants will also learn how to produce engaging, vibrant art from less desirable reference material, like photographs, permanently injured captive birds, and elusive wild birds.
Students will sketch and paint in their preferred medium, as well as learn Kim’s luminous transparent oil painting techniques. Although this workshop focuses on two dimensional work, sculptors are welcome.
Kim Middleton's Bio
Growing up in Sitka, Alaska, Kim developed an appreciation for nature and enthusiasm for birds. After graduating from Western Washington University with degrees in Biology and Chemistry, Kim worked as an analytical/ research chemist, but soon volunteered with the United States Peace Corps, in Botswana, Africa.
Upon returning to the States, Kim focused her efforts on creating a career dedicated to birds. She actively works as an ornithologist, bird trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, field researcher, and avian artist.
The intimate association with birds allows Kim to study their behavior, anatomy and physiology, and individual personalities. The passion she feels for birds is apparent in her art, and Kim’s artwork reveals the extensive understanding she has achieved through her life-long work with birds.
Kim’s avian portraits have shown in national and international juried exhibits, like Birds in Art, The Art of Conservation, and Women Artist of the West exhibition, as well as various galleries and museums across the country.
