Ron & Kathy Larson
“RedWing ArtScapes”
We use computer enhanced, digital photography to transform images to look more like paintings than photographs. This process creates an alluring mood and artful touch to our nature artwork (including birds, butterflies, scenics) showcased on fine-art prints note cards, desk-top nature calendars, coasters, clocks, refrigerator magnets, etc.
Ron grew up in Newport, Oregon where he became interested in photography while in high school. He earned his Masters and PhD degrees in marine biology, specializing in jellyfish (studying in Puerto Rico & B.C., Canada). He has traveled extensively doing post graduate research as a marine biologist and scuba diver, from the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea to the icy seas of Antarctica. He is now a fish and wildlife biologist in Klamath Falls where he has lived for over ten years, spending countless weekends exploring & photographing the region.
Kathy grew up in Aberdeen, Maryland where she attended nature camps and became an avid birder. She has a B.S. degree in zoology, and has written popular nature articles for newspapers & magazines. She enjoys being a community volunteer, and is passionate about promoting bird appreciation, conservation, & education. Over the years, she has helped to initiate and develop community birding festivals, nature centers, educational programs, and innovative projects in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Oregon – including the unprecedented “Pelicans on Parade” (POP!) bird/art project in Klamath Falls, showcasing local artists.
Our photography is exhibited in Oregon and California: Two Rivers Village Arts Gallery, Klamath Art Association, Favell Museum, Avian Design Studio Gallery, Winter Wings Festival, Klamath County Library, outdoor “International Migratory Bird Day” festivals in Klamath Falls and Tulelake, “Aleutian Goose Festival” in Crescent City, California, and the “Wildlife Art Festival” in Sacramento, California. Awards: First Place (Ron – 2005) and Best of Show (Kathy – 2007) “In Celebration of Birds” at the Klamath Art Association Gallery, Klamath Falls. Recent published photos: Herald & News articles; Ron provided numerous photos & text for the popular wildflower field guide “Common Plants of the Upper Klamath Basin” printed in 2007, a book he co-authored with the Klamath Basin Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon; a geology article in “Kalmiopsis” (Journal of the Native Plant Society of Oregon). Public engagements, using photos in power-point presentations and displays – Klamath Community College (KCC) community education classes, Winter Wings Festival workshops at OIT, numerous library displays and outdoor exhibits at birding festivals, storefront displays, and talks at the Klamath County Library: “Backyard Naturescaping”, “Birds & Butterflies”, “Basin & Range Landscapes”, and upcoming “Basin & Range Birds.”
Ron says: “I’m inspired by the incredible variety and numbers of wildlife in the Klamath Basin, especially birds; also, the diversity of landscapes – from snow-capped mountains to high-desert shrub lands. Combine all that with the seasonal changes, and there are unlimited opportunities for photographers. The challenge is the search for perfection. You can always get a better photograph.” Ron’s favorite places include Gearhart Mountain, and the Alvord Desert region east of Lakeview – which he seeks out for the solitude and beauty.
On the homefront, we both love our backyard because it has been landscaped for wildlife – with numerous fruit and seed-producing trees, shrubs, native wildflowers, rocks, brush piles, nest boxes, and water sources. Some of our best bird photos have been taken from the kitchen window.
Ron aspires to create stunning portraits that go beyond the photo; to continue to experiment with digital image software which allows for infinite exploration of artistic expressions; to spend more time out-of-doors doing photography; to write books.
Kathy will continue to market our photos in creative ways; reach out to broader audiences; and promote our work, and that of other nature artists, at new art venues and out-of-state festivals.
Through our artwork, we invite you to share in the wondrous variety and beauty of Nature.
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