The International Summit of Paleontological Art opened on Tuesday in Brazil's National Museum. Visitors to the exhibit in Rio de Janeiro will be able to appreciate everything from three-dimensional illustrations, to moving sculptures of dinosaurs.

A life-size moving replica of a flying pterodactyl is one of the exhibition's highlights. The piece was designed by a paleoartist who teamed up with robotics experts from the University of Cordoba in Argentina. Hugo Pailos, a robotics engineer, said the paleoartists' task was to recreate the pre-historical animals with accuracy.

According to Paleontologists, drawing extinct creatures requires more than just artistic talent. Knowledge about biomechanics is also crucial in order to reproduce the exact body form.

The museum also organized an online exhibition of 3-D computer illustrations. It also includes a section about paleoart techniques. Several Latin American paleoartists put their best work on display, and some even made drawings on the spot.

During the summit, artists will discuss different techniques for creating paleontological illustrations, as well as new methods to protect and preserve their work.

Director Sergio Azevedo said, "Basically, Brazil and Argentina, together, are today in the highest level of paleontological art. Paleoart is as developed in Brazil and Argentina as it is in the United States and also more than most countries."

The website for Brazil's national museum also features artwork from its permanent collection.

(CCTV August 27, 2009)