I made a trip to the Natural History Museum Los Angles to see the latest Dinosaur Exhibits. I believe the last time I was there was a Field Trip in Elementary School. At that time Dinosaurs were thought to be cold blooded reptiles.
I still have a few books from that time. Even then they made comparisons to birds, but insisted they were reptiles – Bones thin and hollow like a bird’s, Bird like head, Strong back legs like the legs of a giant bird, Fossil tracks like those of a large bird, Duck-billed, probably scooped up plants from the bottom of shallow water like a duck, Beaked mouth. Even Dinosaur names reflect their similarities to birds. Ornithomimus means “like a bird” and a number of these dinosaurs have been called Struthiomimus which means “like an ostrich”.
The size of these animals was the most significant to me. Reading the dimensions in a book or chart is nothing compared to standing next to or more correctly under their skeletons. The museum has a number of touch screen video displays to provide the latest information on the exhibit as well as history of the digs where these fossilized bones where discovered. One of the most memorable to me, was how all the skeletons were repositioned based on what they know now about these amazing animals. They are much more action based like birds vs. previously as reptiles standing up straight with their tails dragging behind them like dead weights. The Los Angeles Natural History Museum boasts having the only 3 life stage display of T-Rexes in the world. The baby is 6 feet tall!
I have discovered 6 Artists (so far) that make Dinosaurs from metal. Look for Articles & Updates on Creators of Metal Dinosaur Wonders in the “Artists” Category of this Blog. Each Artist has their own vision and approaches in forming these “life like” animals. I enjoy working with my metal dinosaurs and it’s fun to finish them in various colors. Knowing they are related to birds gives the imagination a much larger color palette to choose. The latest arrivals – three Triceratops (below) will benefit from this imagination in finishing.
I encourage you to check out the Los Angeles Natural History Museum when you are in town.
Please let me know of Artists that create metal dinosaurs You have discovered and any comments You have regarding this site & content in the CONTACT tab.
Thank you