Large as life

Want to get up close to an American alligator?

Or see a cicada 10 times its size?

While they will be large, all the animals will be harmless as the Lake County Discovery Museum presents them on canvas.

"Life Size Wildlife," an exhibit featuring watercolor paintings by artist Peggy Macnamara, runs through March 30 at the Wauconda museum.

When people think watercolor, they may think small, said exhibitions manager Steve Furnett. But Macnamara brings the animals she paints to life -- whether it be a 20-by-60 inch alligator or a larger-than-life cicada.

"They see what they can do and what she can do with these large pieces," he said.

Furnett first crossed paths with Macnamara and saw her work at another museum. Both worked at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Macnamara has worked as an artist in residence at the museum since 1990.

Seeing her paintings on permanent display at the Chicago museum, Furnett said he enjoyed her work. After coming to Lake County, he wanted to bring some of her paintings to the museum.

"It is a good fix to the museum as her work relates to nature and its creatures," he said.

Taking months to put the exhibit together, Furnett said the exhibit features 12 paintings, including some displayed at the Field Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo.

Macnamara has used the Field Museum's collection of animal specimens to create her paintings. Each one emphasizes her attention to detail.

Furnett said most people think of zebras only in black and white. But to see the color she puts into the painting like pinks, blues and greens is unbelievable.

"If many other artists did this, it would not work. She is so talented that the colors pop out," he said.

As part of the exhibit, Macnamara, who also is a teacher at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, will offer a watercolor class from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 23. The class will be free with museum admission.

"The class is open to someone who has never picked up a brush before or a pro like her," Furnett said. "It is a unique opportunity to paint with a pro."

The Lake County Discovery Museum is in Lakewood Forest Preserve on Route 176 west of Fairfield Road near Wauconda. For more information, call (847) 968-3400.