International award-winning artist Jennifer Felton is known for her intricately carved birds and wildlife. A three-time Birds in Art exhibitor and judge for the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition, she works primarily in tupelo wood, brass and oil paint to create sculptures distinguished by their realism and attention to detail. Each feather is individually shaped, textured and finished to reflect the subtle variations found in nature.
Jennifer's commitment to authenticity is grounded in years of study with falconers, bird rehabilitators and direct observation of live birds. This understanding of avian anatomy and behavior informs every piece she creates.
Her work has been selected for the prestigious Birds in Art exhibition at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum for three consecutive years, one of the most competitive juried exhibitions dedicated to avian art. She also serves as a judge for the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition, where she earned Master Division status after receiving top honors across multiple advanced categories.
In addition to her sculpture, Jennifer creates highly detailed wildlife drawings that reflect the same dedication to observation, craftsmanship and realism found throughout her work.
IN NATURE
"I love to be outside no matter the weather conditions. I am rarely without binoculars and always have an eye to the sky. I participated in a state-wide bird count this past winter and we spotted some great birds."
HIKING
"It is is amazing what you see on random hikes through the woods. Flocks of cedar wax wings, newly born fawns, and a five-lined skink lizard are a few of my favorite finds."
FIELD AND STUDIO
Studying takes many forms. From setting up trail cameras next to carcass piles to rushing to bird sightings to see a migrating bird not native to our area.
On snowy Iowa days, a warm studio is a welcome place to concentrate on details and tweak to my heart's desire.
ART STUDIO
In spring 2021, I designed and built an art studio east of our property. Complete with separate work spaces for carving, drawing and painting the studio is nearly all glass with plenty of natural light. The space was designed with practicality and flexibility in mind. It is a dream come true with wide views of the countryside and wildlife.
