Orcas Island artist's paintings are for the birds

News - Arts & Entertainment

Award winning piece “Sensuous Neckline” is one of the Kim Middleton pieces on display in the office of Lt. Governor Owen. photo courtesy of the Lt. Governor’s Art Council

OLYMPIA - A number of feathered visages by Orcas Island artist Kim Middleton now enliven the lieutenant governor’s office.

Middleton describes herself as an “avian artist and ornithologist”. Her knowledge of birds can be clearly seen as the inspiration to the series of 14 vivid oil paintings which grace the foyer of the office. “Birds are my life,” the resident of East Sound adds.

Her path to professional art was a winding one – Middleton has degrees in biology and chemistry, has worked as a chemist and volunteered with the Peace Corps in the Kalahari Desert of Africa. In 2007 she began to paint with oils and settled on birds as a subject. She has since won an award for her piece “Sensuous Neckline” and captivated viewers with her detailed and vibrant artwork which she strives to use as a medium to teach viewers about birds.

Middleton’s thorough and expressive work showcases her passion for birds, which can also be seen through her participation in an assortment of avian field research projects alongside her artwork. For more information visit the artist’s website.

The 14 oil paintings shown in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor will hang in the front lobby area through June. The office, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is located in Room 220 of the Legislative Building (State Capitol), 416 Sid Snyder Avenue S.W. in Olympia.

The work is being displayed under the auspices of the Lt. Governor’s Art Council. Chaired by Linda Owen, wife of the lieutenant governor, the council selects Washington artists for its displays and changes the selections quarterly.