Cornell Lab of Ornithology Part 1

"At the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, scientists, conservationists, engineers, educators, and students all work together for a common purpose: to understand birds and other wildlife, to involve the public in scientific discovery, and to use our knowledge to protect our planet." -- birds.cornell.edu

I started working at the lab on May 1st as a Bartels Science Illustration Intern. It was a great experience working with people who are passionate about what they do. For an artist, the lab provides a rare collection of resources to study the anatomy and behavior of a bird accurately.

The following are 2 of 4 window clings that I illustrated for the lab's promotional purposes. The American Goldfinch and the Rufous Hummingbird were first drawn in graphite, scanned and then painted digitally.

As you can see, the overall anatomy of the bird has changed. A common mistake is to give birds foreheads and necks. Two things that many birds don't have.

These illustrations were then printed on clear sticky plastic so they can be placed on windows. They glow a little when light passes through them. 

To view more of my work at Cornell, click on "Newer Post" below the comments.