Baleen and toothed whales
Time period shown: Modern
Pictured:
Finback, Minke, Blue, Right, Humpback and Sperm whales, orcas, narwhal and beluga whale
About this image:
Baleen whales are sometimes called "mustached whales." The name refers to the series of baleen plates in gums along each side of the whale's upper jaw. They are triangular and arranged like teeth in a comb. The inner edge is frayed, and the fringes form a dense mat inside the mouth. Baleen is made mostly of keratin, a substance found in our fingernails and hair.
There are about 65 different species of toothed whales. Toothed whales, including all dolphins and porpoises, have teeth, only one blowhole (baleen whales have two) and are generally smaller than most baleen whales. The only toothed whale longer than 13 metres is the sperm whale (they can measure up to 18 metres). Toothed whales are hunters. They find, chase and then capture prey (fish, squid, crabs, starfish, and other ocean creatures) with their teeth. Once captured, the prey is swallowed whole.
Learn more!
Image and client information:
Baleen and toothed whales.
For Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Sant Oceans Hall.
Images produced under contract to Design and Production, Inc.
© Smithsonian Institution
See more images of the Modern period.
See more images of Marine animals and fish.
10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC
202-633-1000
Karen in the classroom
— As a guest speaker or lecturer
In addition to the time she spends painting, Karen finds time now and again to serve as a guest speaker, lecturer and instructor to museum groups, professional organizations, schools and universities. She has also presented master classes in art and digital painting at universities in the U.S.
Karen has delivered recent presentations for these institutions and groups:
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Southern Methodist University
- Guild of Natural Science Illustrators at the College of William & Mary and at Montana State University
- New Mexico Highlands University
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of North Texas
- Dallas Paleontological Society
Originally trained in the classical techniques of illustration and painting, Karen frequently speaks on the transition to a digital world, and on the challenges and benefits this transition poses for artists, clients and viewers. She conducts professional seminars on painting, illustration and digital image creation, and also offers specific programs tailored to the needs of professional groups or classroom instructors.
To contact Karen about a speaking engagement, just drop her a note or call her studio.
Welcome to My Studio!