Nature and Wildlife Art of Lyrae Perry
About the Artist
Lyrae Perry born in Big Bear Lake, California a third generation artist, began painting at the age of seven. Lyrae's first art lesson was from her mother, who is an accomplished portrait painter. Lyrae's early art training included portrait and still life work. But it was the animals and the natural world that held the most appeal for her. Her first oil painting was completed at the age of nine, depicting birds, their "Tree House" and a turtle. It hangs in her home today.
There have been many teachers since those early days, with formal art training at Fullerton College, Saddleback College and Cal State Fullerton. Lyrae has attended many workshops, seminars and private lessons with many well known artists. Although not all of them are wildlife artists, they have had a profound effect on her work.
Traditional oil painting on canvas is the favored medium, although watercolor, gouache and sculpture comprise many of Lyrae's artworks
Lyrae's work has appeared in exhibits since 1983 and she has won many Best of Show and first place awards. She is staff illustrator for Pacific Wildlife Project and also project co-ordinator. She donates her time and her art to help raise funds for the rehabilitation of injured and sick wild birds and small animals. Pacific Wildlife Project has commissioned Lyrae to create and produce 500 decoy swallow nests, to help in the reestablishment of a breeding colony for the California Swallows at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. All the nests will be hung at the historic Mission over a three year period.
As if that were not enough Lyrae writes articles for the avicultural community thru the AFA Watchbird Magazine. She is an international speaker at conventions for the avicultural community on various subjects. Currently concentrating on the color mutations. She co-authored a book with Fred Perry on genetics and color mutations titled Punnett Square Basics. The second edition is due to be published soon.
Lyrae is internationally recognized for her work and breeding of the many species of the Psittacula genus. Please see the pages on Birds to learn more!
Bauhinia blakeana Wreath
Watercolor/gouache
Original in the collection of Orchid Tree Exotics
email me at : wildlifeart@sbcglobal.net
All images and artwork on this page are copyrighted by the Artist, Lyrae Perry, 2003. Reproduction by any means or use of these images will NOT be allowed without prior written permission by the Artist. Written permission will be only sent by regular mail via the US Postal Service and not by email. Violators will be prosecuted.