Sterling Nature Center's
Art & Nature Exhibition Wall
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The Art & Nature Wall is one of the exciting new additions to the Sterling Nature Center, providing a space where local artists who are inspired by nature can showcase and sell their work. This rotating exhibit highlights art that celebrates the beauty of the natural world, featuring a variety of mediums from painting and photography to mixed media. By supporting these artists, we continue to foster a deeper connection between art and nature, inspiring creativity and appreciation for the environment.
If you're an artist interested in exhibiting your work, please contact us for more information!
After Audubon
Michael Flanagan
Artist Statement
This series of acrylic paintings was inspired by the artist-naturalist
John James Audubon (1785-1851). He traveled widely to remote
areas of America to record birds and mammals in watercolor for
subsequent volumes of detailed, hand-colored lithographs. His
“Birds of America” (1827-1838) and “Viviparous Quadrupeds of
North America” (1845-1848) were remarkable projects in scope,
scientific and artistic achievement. These extensive visual records
documented many species for the first time and included several
now-extinct species. The Bird’s “double elephant folio” size,
nearly 40” in height, allowed Audubon to depict birds life-sized in
435 lithographic prints. This resulted in some dynamic postures
for larger species like the great blue heron and flamingo. He also
gave his work a de facto narrative quality by showing family
groups, interactions between species, habitat and diet.
I’ve been drawn to reproductions of Audubon's work since
childhood - though these are the first works I’ve done directly
inspired by Audubon. I remain intrigued by his dynamic
compositions, careful attention to detail and simple narrative.
Other than reflecting a general interest and admiration, there is no
intended commentary on the subjects or Audubon himself.
Ultimately, each work is meant to satisfy my own artistic
sensibilities.
Photos from Michael Flanagan’s artist reception at the Sterling Nature Center. Friends, visitors, and supporters gathered to meet the artist and see his After Audubon series on the Art & Nature Wall. The show features a collection of bird and mammal paintings inspired by Audubon’s work and will be on display this spring.
