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Growing up in Sitka, Alaska shaped Kim's independent, adventurous, and inquisitive personality. This small, remote island community nestled in abundant wilderness cultivated a strong appreciation for nature. After receiving a degree in biology and chemistry from Western Washington University, she worked as a chemist for the timber industry. Unable to fit into corporate America, Kim volunteered with the US Peace Corps. Teaching science in a small village in the inhospitable Kalahari Desert of Africa gave her the adventure she craved and helped her grasp the importance of following her passion.
"I have been an avid bird enthusiast from my earliest memories. Upon my return to the USA, I focused my efforts on blending my career with my passion for bird conservation. I work closely with birds as an ornithologist, bird trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, environmental educator, and avian artist.
I believe people will only protect those things that are dear to them. Birds are global creatures, and to save birds, we help to save our planet. Therefore, my personal mission is to bring bird appreciation to every household through art, education, and conservation efforts. I utilize my intimate knowledge of birds to represent them in my paintings. I prefer to work in transparent oil paint, and build thin layers of primary colors to develop form and achieve rich, multifaceted hues in my paintings. I yearn to spark the viewer's interest in birds through compelling compositions, evoking emotions, and establishing a sense of awe for birds. I feel my paintings are another opportunity to share my passion for birds and to educate the public.”
As an avid ornithologist, she finds getting out into the field is a great opportunity to witness the complexity and beauty of nature. The sophistication of the avian world amazes and moves her. The elaborate feather patterns, specialized adaptations, and enlightening behaviors of birds inspire her art. Working with birds allows Kim the opportunity to closely study their intricate activities, examine their structural make-up, and revel in individual personalities to give her unique insights into their personal world. Some of Kim’s conservation work involved monitoring reintroduced Harpy Eagles in Panama; assisting Snowy Owl research in Barrow, Alaska and Ferruginous Hawk banding in Boise, Idaho; searching for a hybridization zone of a Manakin species in Panama; and conducting various bird surveys. She also trains a variety of eagles, falcons, hawks, owls and corvids for environmental education, rehabilitates injured birds and raises orphaned baby birds for release.
"My passion for birds is strong, so I strive to meld all facets of my life around birds, whether I am painting, conducting biologic work, teaching, or traveling."
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Support for Conservation:
Kim has supported nature conservation throughout her life. Her dedication with bird conservation is apparent with her support and art donations to The Peregrine Fund, Alaska Raptor Center, Ducks Unlimited, Friends of the Forest, the conservation efforts of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators and Coastal Raptors.
Organization Membership:
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All rights reserved. All images and text © Copyright 2024 Kim Middleton - Member of the Artists for Conservation Foundation (Formerly
the Worldwide Nature Artists Group) www.natureartists.com.
This site represents the original artwork (nature art and wildlife art) of nature
artist and wildlife artist of Kim Middleton and is protected by international copyright laws. Use
of nature art, wildlife art or any other images or text from this site, requires
permission in writing from Kim Middleton ().
This site is part of the Artists for Conservation (AFC) Web site. (Wildlife
Art - Nature Art - Conservation) Artists for Conservation is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to
nature art, wildlife art and conservation. On this site you will find world-class
nature art and wildlife art by today's leading nature artists & wildlife artists.
The AFC site is the Web's premier location for nature art, wildlife
artists
All content appearing in pages featuring Kim Middleton is the sole responsibility of Kim Middleton. The opinions expressed on these artists' pages are those of Kim Middleton and do not necessarily reflect those of the Artists for Conservation
Foundationi (AFC).
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