Mark Klingler's art exhibit brings extinct creatures to life

Mark Klingler's art exhibit brings extinct creatures to life

Credit: Bill Woodard Reconstruction of Oviraptorosaur in pencil and watercolor on bristol board, by Mark Klinger.

A new species that went extinct more than 65 million years ago is brought to life by artist Mark Klingler at his solo art exhibition throughout June in the Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery.

Klingler, scientific illustrator for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, reconstructed Oviraptorosaur from fossils that were found in the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota. The dinosaur-era creature is the featured work in Klingler's 45-piece multimedia show, "Fur, Feathers and Fossils," that runs until June 30.

In his position as scientific illustrator, Klingler reconstructs extinct creatures from fossil organisms. To recreate an entire animal from fossil information, Klingler worked closely with scientists to compare the characteristics of the fossil to those of both modern and primitive animals. He then researched mammal anatomy. The research helped Klingler to develop a watercolor image of the once-lost creatures. The artist often produces a clay model to better visualize the animal's mass and body form.

After an initial drawing of the primitive species, Klingler used computer software to manipulate the images that were used for research papers and publications. In addition, the images were distributed world-wide by the news organizations to inform the public of new scientific findings.

The exhibit is free to the public. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends.

For more on Klingler and photos of the exhibit, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/43824.htm online.

The recipient of numerous art awards, Klingler earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Carnegie Mellon and did post-graduate studies in painting and sculpture at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He is an instructor for several local illustration programs and presents technique workshops nationally.

A native of Whippany, N.J., Klingler currently resides in Lower Burrell, Pa., with his wife, Cathy, and their daughter, Olivia.

For more on Klingler and photos of the exhibit, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/43824.htm online.