Kristina Knowski is an avian artist and illustrator based in NW Indiana. As an avid birder, Kristina prefers to work from life and spends most of her time sketching and researching species in the field. In working with extinct species, she visits the Bird Collections of the Field Museum and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to study from skins. She enjoys using observation, anatomical references, and specimens to examine these species with an attention to detail. By exploring these birds in both life and in death, she hopes to bring a sense of wonder and appreciation for our native avifauna.

After gathering images and experiences in the field, Krsitina’s process starts with a carefully planned composition. Several layers of transparent paint are carefully applied after the layout has been finalized. The extant, or existing, bird paintings are usually more illustrational, creating an optimum version of the species similar to that of a field guide. These are made as a formal study of the bird and keeping the background minimal.

The extinct species have a more uninhibited approach. Backgrounds are intentionally loose and ambiguous, contrasting representation with abstraction. Inevitably, these paintings are designed to express strong anecdotal value and often play on the history of the bird and its relationship with mankind.

Since graduating Valedictorian from the American Academy of Art in Chicago in 2012, Kristina has participated in numerous shows in Chicago and surrounding states, including Animalier: The Animal in Contemporary Art, Apocalypse 2012: Genesis 2013, and Facing Extinction. Her most recent solo show was at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Dreams of Martha, in conjunction with the 100th year anniversary of the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon. In 2026, Kristina was honored to depict the American Birding Association’s popular Bird of the Year, featuring the Horned Lark.

In 2024. Kristina started Ancillaerie in Chesterton IN as a resource for quality picture framing and marrying her love of framing and art. Ancillaerie aids to help support local artists of NW Indiana and mission is built to help local bird conservation efforts.

Giving Back

Kristina Knowski Arts is dedicated to her mission to use her work as a positive change for avifauna. Continuously, Kristina gives back her time and multiple donations to the Indiana Audubon Society and their annual Indiana Dunes Birding Festival.

Learn More about the Indiana Audubon Society here and the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival.

In addition, Kristina has worked with local non-profit organizations to help in their mission to protect and preserve native Indiana Wildlife. In 2025, Humane Indiana Wildlife and Kristina Knowski Arts designed a South Shore poster to raise funds and bring awareness to their cause.

Learn More about Humane Indiana Wildlife. Purchase the poster to support Humane Indiana’s mission here.