# Avian Apparition Portraits Artist Meghan Howland Infuses Her Haunting Paintings with Flighty Birds By Gil Cohen | Published 2013-06-04 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meghan-howland References: [ignant.de](http://www.ignant.de/2013/06/03/meghan-howland) & [meghanhowland](http://www.meghanhowland.com/) Soaring through the canvas and distorting the otherwise pristine portraits, the birds present throughout the [painting series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition) by artist Meghan Howland have an apparition-like appearance to them. So surreal and stunning, the birds form a frame for the people portrayed in the paintings, while simultaneously concealing them mysteriously behind [curtains of colored feathers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/making-the-invisible-visible). These flighty fowl infuse the canvas with bursts of color, serving as contrast to the pale flesh and neutral hair tones of the human figures. The elegance and grace of the birds as they dance through the air in their weightless way, imbibes the portraits with an ornate symphony of movement and mystique that is both dark and drawing. Artist Meghan Howland enchants the viewer with her choice to include avian accompaniment to her [painted portrait series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Haunting Avian Art:** Incorporate avian elements into art to add a layer of mystique and harmony. - **Bird-inspired Contrast:** Using birds to create contrast and color in otherwise neutral paintings. - **Ornate Avian Presence:** Introduce an ornate and surreal presence through the incorporation of birds in artwork. ### Where This Applies - **Fine Arts:** Artists can experiment with incorporating birds into their work to create unique and mystical masterpieces. - **Home Decor:** Art infused with avian elements can be used as statement home decor pieces, adding a touch of intrigue and mystique to any space. - **Fashion:** Designers can draw inspiration from avian-infused art to create ornate and mystical clothing pieces that will add a touch of unique elegance to any wardrobe. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bird-Inspired Ethereal Cosmetic Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/majestic-feathers.md) - [Vibrant Bird-Inspired Artful Puzzles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macar-parrot.md) - [Human Nature-Themed Art Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sea-im-awake.md) - [Pride-Honoring Bird Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pride-birds.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Hand-Painted Watercolor Prints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emma-webster.md) - [Bird-Inspired Speaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birdinspired-speaker.md) - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md) - [Human Embraced-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wallmounted-sculpture.md)