Famous Bird Paintings

When it comes to painting birds are among the most oldest subjects. With cave paintings depicting birds in ancient Egypt to the most elaborate artwork. Birds have a long history and connection with art.

The Birds of Jamaica John James Audubon

French-American self-trained artist, naturalist, and ornithologist John James Audubon created artworks of all bird species that were found in the artist's country at that time.

The Kingfisher Vincent van Gogh

Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh painted a few bird paintings. He created this artwork with his signature portrait style.

American artist, ornithologist, and naturalist Roger Tory was best known for this field guides to birds. He published his first field guide in 1934 using illustrations not photos. He studied art and natural history at the Art Students League New York. His field guide sold millions of copies.

Peacock and Peacock Butterfly Archibald Thorburn

Scottish artist Archibald Thorburn was one of the most famous painters of wildlife focusing on birds. He was the Vice President of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. He would visit the forests for inspiration and to observe birds. This artwork is one of his most famous bird paintings. It depicts a magnificent peacok fanning his tail. The colors are vibrant shades of blue, green, and red around the top half of the painting.

Wintering Snow Geese Janet Turner

American artist, art educator, environmental activist, and naturalist Janet Turner worked in several mediums such as wood, linoleum blocks, and screen printing. This artwork shows birds migrating.

Concert of Birds Frans Snyders

Flemish painter of animals, hunting scenes, market scenes, and still life Frans Snyders created this famous painting of various bird species as if coming together in song.

The Magpie Claud Monet

French artist Claud Monet created a series of winter paintings. This is the largest among the 140 artworks he painted. He found the inspiration for this painting by working in the open air. The painting beckons the viewer to step into the wintry scene and the magpie defiantly sits in the snow and the cold.

Louis Agassiz Fuertes

American ornithologist, illustrator and artist Louis Agassiz Fuertes painted birds and animals around the world. His art is said to have its beauty because it even captures the personality and behavior of the bird.

The Floating Feather Melchior de Hondecoeter

Dutch Golden Age artist Melchior de Hondecoeter depicted bird of all species. He gave his birds realistic details. This artwork details a downy little feather floating on the water’s surface, giving the painting its name.

Swedish ornithological illustrator Lars Jonsson was famous for his watercolor painting of birds. He was best known for his realistic and detailed painting of birds.

Swifts Bruno Liljefors

Swedish artist Bruno Lijefors created artworks that were recognized as among the best bird painting collections. Swifts is one such painting of his, and it has unique details and a splash of colors all over the canvas with incredible scientific information about the birds.

The Threatened Swan Jan Asselijn (Pictured above)

Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Asselijn was renowned for his bird paintings. His best known is this artwork depicting a true to life swan. The swan appears threatened and protecting itself.

Little Owl Albrecht Durer

German artist and printmaker Albrecht Durer was an early promoter of animal paintings. He created some of the most beloved and renowned bird paintings in history. One of the best examples of a Little Owl is a small creature with many characters. Owls have generally been used as symbolic creatures. Owls were associated with darkness, uncleanliness, and being evil. They had a bad reputation. His portraits were precisely the opposite of the ever-known owl’s reputation; it was adorable and charming, and the name also suggests Little Owl.