The Flamingo Series - J. Steven Manolis

J. Steven Manolis’s Abstract Flamingo (Changing Colors) Painting Series

John James Audubon’s monumental work, “The Birds of America” (1827-1838), stands as a testament to the challenges and triumphs of artistic and scientific exploration. This remarkable ornithological travelogue is widely regarded as one of the most famous illustrated books of all time, showcasing Audubon’s dedication to capturing the beauty and diversity of American birds.

Among the myriad species depicted in this vast collection, three birds have emerged as particularly significant: the American Eagle, the Flamingo, and the Wild Turkey. The Audubon Museum in Key West, Florida, a small yet unforgettable gem, has profoundly influenced my artistic journey. My experiences there inspired my 2016 art book, “Key West: Changing Colors”, in which I explored three captivating phenomena of Key West’s color and light: the ever-changing hues of its waters, the dramatic sunsets, and the historic transformation of the Florida Flamingo’s coloration.

The story of the Florida Flamingo’s color change is both fascinating and poignant, intertwining themes of environmentalism and dietary impacts on health. The Flamingo’s primary food source is shrimp, and over the past two centuries, the agricultural development of Florida—particularly the extensive sugar fields in Palm Beach County—has led to significant environmental changes. The nitrates from fertilizers have seeped into the Florida Everglades and surrounding waterways, altering the shrimp’s nutritional makeup and, consequently, affecting the Flamingo’s health and appearance. This transformation serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of diet, health, and environmental stewardship.

Since the publication of “Key West: Changing Colors”, my Flamingo Series has become one of my most sought-after collections. Each piece in this series artistically reflects the historic color change of the Florida Flamingo, transitioning from intense coral pink to a saturated salmon orange. Through various compositions and styles, I aim to convey the beauty of color while telling a story that emotionally impacts, educates, and inspires my collectors.

THE JOHN JAMES AUDUBON 

FLAMINGO STORY 

Audubon’s own journey with the Florida Flamingo is a riveting tale of exploration and discovery. On May 7, 1832, while sailing from Indian Key, he recorded his first sighting of a flock of American Flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber). His vivid description captures the sultry afternoon, the golden glow of the sun, and the serene ocean as his boat glided silently. He observed the flamingos advancing in a single file, their wings spread wide and necks outstretched, and expressed the thrill of witnessing these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

Eager to study and illustrate the flamingos, Audubon faced numerous challenges. Despite his excitement, he struggled to obtain a specimen during his Florida expedition. He learned from Dr. Benjamin Strobel, a local expert, that flamingos were shy and typically gathered in shallow ponds used for salt production. Audubon made several attempts to observe or capture them but was ultimately unsuccessful. He discovered that flamingos were more nocturnal than other wading birds, feeding at night, which made them elusive targets.

Despite these setbacks, Audubon’s determination never wavered. His iconic illustration of the American Flamingo (Plate 431 in “The Birds of America”), completed in 1838, was based on birds and skins obtained from Cuba, ninety miles away, supplemented by distant observations and memories from his childhood in Saint-Domingue (modern Haiti). To fit the bird’s impressive five-foot height onto the large folio paper, Audubon depicted it with its neck gracefully curved downward, emphasizing its elegance. The background, added by engraver Robert Havell, imagined a flock receding into the distance, evoking the scene Audubon had witnessed years earlier.

Audubon’s story of the flamingo is one of awe, frustration, and artistic triumph. His vivid descriptions capture the thrill of encountering these “lovely birds” in the wild, while his inability to secure a specimen underscores their elusive nature. The resulting illustration remains one of the most celebrated in “The Birds of America”, symbolizing Audubon’s dedication to documenting North America’s avian life with scientific precision and artistic flair.

In reflecting on Audubon’s journey and the historic changing colors of the Florida Flamingo, we are reminded of the delicate and dynamic balance that always exists between nature and human influence. As you explore my Flamingo Painting Series, I hope you find a deeper appreciation for these remarkable birds,  the stories they tell, then and NOW! 

After reading this account of Audubon’s adventures in Key West, and my paintings in this Feature Article in Jud Bardwell’s presitigious Elevated Art I suspect you will never look at my Flamingo works the same way again.

Sincerely and Artfully yours,

J. Steven Manolis

Artist, Gallerist, Curator, Collector and Philanthropist.

ManolisProjects.com