What is Natural Science Illustration?

Put simply, natural science (or history) illustration is “art in service of science”.  The artist “uses scientifically informed observational, technical, and aesthetic skills to portray a subject accurately.” (The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, by the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators). The scientific illustrator is a “Visual Science Communicator” (Diana Marques).  This title aptly describes the key role of a scientific illustrator -- communication!  Shapes, anatomy, details, and concepts that cannot be conveyed with words alone, and are often ambiguous in photographs, are visually described by the artist with crystal clarity. 
​Personally, I have a fondness for, "Natural History Illustration", as it puts emphasis on the stories, often complex and interwoven, of the visualized subjects.
"Late Autumn Forage", Bombus impatiens (Common Eastern Bumble Bee) feeding on Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster), © Suzanne Matheson, 2018

Recent News

Phalaenopsis 'Yu Pin Peach Girl' moth orchid cultivar on display during the RBG Orchid Society Show & Sale, Burlington, ON

Feast your eyes on orchids, both live & representative!
Annually, the Royal Botanical Gardens Orchid Society holds an orchid-themed art show for the duration of their orchid show & sale.  This year, 2019, the Orchid Society Show & Sale runs from Februrary 23rd - 24th. My graphite drawing of Phalaenopsis 'Yu Pin Peach Girl' moth orchid cultivar will be showing during this time.  It's much better viewing in real life, so I invite you to stop by and take a look during your visit to the show.  My Events Calendar offers full details.  

'Woodland Jack-in-the-pulpit' on view at Nature Art Studio, Toronto, ON

In 2018, my 'Woodland Jack-in-the-pulpit' was featured in the juried 'Art of the Plant' exhibition, Canada's contribution to the groundbreaking international initiative, Botanical Art Worldwide.  Presently, it is among a select few on the walls of Nature Art Studio, Toronto, Ontario.  Viewing dates are listed on my Events Calendar.  By appointment,  please contact NellieSue@NatureArtStudio.ca. 

Hatchlings  A Coloring Book Anthology

Back in July, 2018 Cordelia Norris, of Luna Creations design & illustration, and her husband, Joseph Cadotte, of Old Sins publishing collective, sent out a call-for-entry.  They were seeking black & white line drawings of North American nesting birds, with their hatchlings, for an educational colouring book anthology.  The juried entries were to be limited to birds who spend some or all of their time in the USA. ... Now five months later ... read more ...

Gretchen Halpert's Scientific Illustration Distance Program - Session 1

Recently I completed Session 1, an introductory course that builds drawing skills with the use of graphite.  In my Artist's Journal I offer you a visual description of this course.  Read more ...

Note:  Gretchen is now accepting students for the next SIDP Session 1 course, running Tuesdays, from January 8 - March 12, 2019.  
Natural Sciences Illustrator, Pinus strobus - Eastern White Pine cone, graphite study © Suzanne M Matheson, 2018
Eastern White Pine cone - Pinus strobus - graphite study © Suzanne M Matheson, 2018