Caring for the land that cares for us

Artwork: Obi Kaufmann

Script: Midpeninsula Open Space District

Produce by: TOPO Collective Animation and design: Hermina Stanciulescu

The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen), established in 1972, is an independent public agency dedicated to preserving over 70,000 acres of open space across California's Santa Cruz Mountains region.

The animated video titled "Western Snowy Plover Watercolor Animation" aims to educate and raise awareness about the Western Snowy Plover, a threatened shorebird species native to the California coast. 

Through a watercolour animation format, the video highlights the bird's habitat, the challenges it faces, and the conservation efforts undertaken to protect it. 

By engaging viewers with compelling visuals and storytelling, the video seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the species, encouraging public support for its preservation.

Starting with the beautiful watercolour illustrations painted by Obi Kaufman, I designed the style-frames to establish the visual tone and imagined how each scene would flow through motion.

I carefully planned transitions, pacing, and composition to preserve the delicate, hand-painted feel of the artwork. 

Once the creative direction was set, I brought the visuals to life through animation—adding subtle movements, natural textures, and fluid sequences that honoured the organic quality of the paintings while enhancing the storytelling.

Learn more at openspace.org