Wind Wolves mural celebrates state's bounty
| Tuesday, May 05 2009 01:42 PM
Last Updated Tuesday, May 05 2009 04:39 PM
Images
Nancy Putney
The mural at Wind Wolves Preserve is filled with flora and fauna native to California.
What began as a 20-inch poster for the educational program at Wind Wolves Preserve southwest of Bakersfield has ended up as a 10-foot-high mural. Artist Nancy Putney says it's one of the most challenging projects she's ever done.
"There's the wind, of course, and I had to go up and down a ladder a lot carrying paint buckets," she said with a good-natured laugh. "And to do the bottom of it I spent most of the time flat on my stomach."
At the same time, Putney, a retired Kern High School District art teacher, said it's "one of the most exciting and fulfilling art adventures I have ever known. It was an honor to be asked to create it and a pleasure to work with the staff there."
Each of the animals, plants and flowers in the mural is native to the preserve, a 30-square-mile protected area south of Highway 166 between I-5 and Maricopa.
California poppies and other wildflowers border the lower edge of the mural; a condor and other birds fly overhead in the background. Clustered at the front are many different animals -- an owl, a raccoon, a bear, a kit fox, tule elk, deer, jack rabbits, a skunk and if you look closely, a few butterflies. Putney, aided by a staff naturalist, tried to make each image as true to life as possible.
"While I was painting (the mural) a hummingbird would come and peck at my flowers," Putney said, "so I thought that was a compliment."
The artist started the project in November, finished it in January and is pleased with the result. She does have one regret, however.
"Wind Wolves seems to be somewhat of a well-kept secret," she explained. "Most folks I talk with are completely unaware of it but many, many children and teachers have found it remarkable."
Wind Wolves is managed by the nonprofit Wildlands Conservancy, which offers free education programs that focus on ecology. According to information provided by the conservancy, more than 100,000 children have participated. The preserve includes trails for hiking and biking, as well as a campground and picnic area. Elevations range from 640 to 6,005 feet.
Putney's mural can be seen on one wall in the preserve's information center. Wind Wolves is open weekends only. For details, call 858-1115.
