Artist Statement “As a painter, I enjoy the challenge of depicting the textures, patterns and palettes I observe in nature, and translating them to paint. When painting birds and animals, I apply the rules of portraiture, seeking to convey the subject’s “essence” through careful observation of its unique physical attributes and mannerisms and the way it behaves in its environment. I am personally renewed daily by my experiences in nature. I hope you can feel my passion for the beautiful creatures with whom we share our world and that you are inspired to do what you can to protect their habitats and ensure their presence for generations to come.” Kimberly Beck is a fine artist who specializes in painting birds and other wildlife. After graduating from The University of Michigan with a degree in English Literature, she studied drawing and illustration at The California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California. As an illustrator in the 80’s, she created bird-themed products for The Nature Company and other print companies that sold her work nationally. In 2008, she changed her medium from watercolor and colored pencil to oil, learning to paint from direct observation at The Palette & Chisel Academy of Art in Chicago. Her avian-themed paintings have been juried into the prestigious international “Birds in Art” exhibition at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum of Art, Wausau, Wisconsin (2012-2016, 2018-20, 22, 23), selected for the museum’s National Tours, and are part of the Museum’s permanent collection. She is a signature member of The Society of Animal Artists, American Women Artists and Artists for Conservation and an associate member of Oil Painters of America. She recently received the Animal Award of Excellence in OPA’s Western Regional Exhibition as well as First Prize in AWA’s 2023 Spring Online Exhibition. Kimberly is a devoted bird-watcher and recently relocated her studio to the desert of Ivins, Utah from the diverse ecosystems near the Indiana Dunes National Park.