Environmental artists bring nature to life

Anyone that has seen the sun shine through forest branches or experienced the beauty of a sunset knows that nature and art are closely connected. As the world works to educate people about the importance of environmentalism, that link has solidified.

Environmental artists use drawings, sculpture, photos and other medium to show and educate people about the importance of the environment. Paintings feature rich and elaborate habitats and the plants and animals that inhabit them. Many are large scale, painting not only color, but texture as well.

Falcons swoop down on unsuspecting mice and pelicans scoop up fish fresh from the seas. You can even consider taxidermy an interactive art where people can not only see the animals, but feel the texture of their feathers. It doesn't matter what medium they work in, the meaning is the same.

While there are some exhibitions in art houses throughout the world, the majority of the work done by environmental artists are shown at museums, nature preserves and other areas where patrons go to learn more about nature. Once considered a fringe group, environmental artists are now becoming more mainstream including professional programs such as the environmental art department at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.

Young students are often encouraged to do their own types of environmental art from a young age even if it’s drawing leaves for school or art projects depicting forests and trees. Many places that dedicate themselves to preserving and educating people about nature employ some type of environmental art.

The connection between art and nature has been evident for centuries as artists paint breathtaking landscapes, but the true-to-life depiction of natural settings and animals is a relatively new concept. It melds art and reality into something that best represents the world around them.

Environmental art isn't just about painting a pretty picture, it's about showing the reality of nature to people who may not have the opportunity to truly see it.

Photo courtesy of janeaustensworld.wordpress.com