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I make pictures for science: accurate pictures, making marks as an artist does, with a discerning eye. Walking outdoors I am curious, noticing every little thing— making discoveries like a toddler. My pockets are full of precious leaf-litter finds. In my sketchbooks I collect the things I cannot otherwise keep, the little salamander as cute as a puppy, a jewel-toned jellyfish washed ashore, a thrilling blue sky, the posture of an emu. I seek the rare and endangered little organism and, once found, sit before it painting its portrait, leaving it undisturbed.

Studies of the natural world prepare me for complex science illustrations, making the past come alive or explaining an entire process in one image.

I had to laugh in amazement while illustrating microscopic hydra locomotion. They somersault! They are brilliant-green photosynthesizing predators, just 1mm tall. Also, they are biologically immortal: described by biologists as “bags of stem cells.” In awe, I drew its almost yogic motion with cartoon-like simplicity.

To illustrate a scene of changing climate in California 10,000 years ago, I first had to research, brainstorm, edit, and verify, (repeat), all to reach a preliminary composition. Once approved by the client— a panel of archaeologists— I rendered the artwork and felt like an artist again. With a field-sketch approach, I filled the drying landscape with camels and paleo Indian hunters in the distance.

Illustrating the first description of an extinct cretaceous conifer, I referred to actual fossils, photographs of similar trees, and a model I made. Measurements of needles and bracts down to the millimeter were critical. I took advantage of an offer to accompany a dig for more fossil material. This fueled a related illustration of many plants and animals found in the fossil record there, a Cretaceous beach scene. I referred to my sketches to make realistic shadows on the choppy beach sand. After getting the facts right, imagination is key.

I insist that the worlds of science and art intersect. All these things are inspiring: puddles of ink and color, cellular structures, sleeping butterflies, and the width of a finch’s beak. My work takes me onto cliff edges, and into museum vaults, classrooms, and jungles. I like that I am required to give each subject my fullest attention and creativity.

Science illustration is a challenging and varied field of work…and now it’s time for a walk with my sketchbook. Join me?

[Photo credits to Krista Anandakuttan]

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