Cut-paper collage lets me merge the roles of artist and naturalist—dissecting with precision, then rebuilding into a new artistic form

Collage of a white heron standing among tall green grasses and rocks.
A kitchen stove with a blue Dutch oven on it, white tiled backsplash, framed artwork of a oystercatcher, and a stainless steel range hood overhead.
Framed collage of a swan swimming in water with yellow flowers and lily pads, hung on a wall with blue leaf pattern wallpaper.
A living room corner with a pink sofa, decorative pillows, a framed collage of a white cockatoo, and three vases on a wall-mounted shelf near a window with pink curtains.
Collage of a large white swan with a black beak, floating on dark blue water, with a cloudy sky in the background.
A framed cut-paper collage painting of a stork standing on a log near water with a landscape background, placed on a white shelf next to a potted plant and a shell.
Close-up of a framed collage of a tern, with a focus on the it's head and beak.
Collage of a white heron standing on rocks near water with green reeds and a cloudy sky in the background.
Cut-paper collage of a heron with a long yellow beak, standing on a dark branch near a body of water, with rocks, green plants, and a blue sky in the background.
Collage of a pelican perched on a branch with green leaves, by Anna Benifield
A cut-paper collage by Anna Benifield of a white heron holding a fish in its beak, set against dark stormy clouds and a village landscape in the background.
A mixed-media artwork depicting a heron or egret standing on a shore, with a background of water and sky, created with layered paper and paint.
Person holding a painted picture of a white ibis, standing on one leg at a beach with blue waves and dark clouds in the background.
Collection of bird-themed cut-paper collages, including a large artwork of a black and white ostrich on a pink background, with other bird paintings featuring swans and a different bird on the floor.
Person holding a large artwork of an ostrich with black and white feathers, obscuring their face.
Close-up of a painting or print featuring white and black feathers on a light pink background.
Painting of a roseate spoonbill standing on a rock near a body of water with a cloudy sky and distant landscape in the background.
Collection of bird artwork, sculptures, and natural decor on a wooden surface.
Collage of a pink flamingo standing on one leg on a rock with its beak pointed downward. Four small flamingos are in the water in the background, with a decorated wall of birdcages and flowers surrounding the painting.
Artwork of a heron standing in grass by water, painted with broad brushstrokes in black, gray, white, tan, and blue tones, leaning forward with its beak near the water.