An experienced natural history and botanical illustrator, Lizzie’s work appears in books and magazines around the world, on postage stamps and mugs.
She lives very happily in Hay on Wye, and works her garden studio surrounded by plants and birds.
Finding out what I’m working on,
follow my blog or find me on instagram.
This is Juniper Juniperus communis, a plant I illustrated recently for a commission.
I`m fond of Juniper, I like its` bi-coloured needles and the waxy bloom on the black berries, making them blueish.
I was walking in Yorkshire yesterday, through loads of low Juniper bushes and bracken.
Despite there not being a Juniper berry in sight, when I crushed the tips of the foliage between finger and thumb it smelled very aromatic, and of gin.
Hopefully the close up shows my way of showing the berries and that bloom, a mix of white gouache and blue watercolour. It`s not perfect, but I think it gives the approximate feel.
#Juniper #juniperuscommunis #botanicalillustration #botanicalart #gin
New blog out, it`s a step by step of me illustrating the Water violet, Hottonia palustris.
https://lizzieharper.co.uk/2024/10/water-violet-step-by-step/
The challenge with all aquatic plants is how to show the water level, and especially how to show an emerging stem. This blog explains how I approach the problem. It also shows how easy filamentous leaves are to paint - it`s just the drawing of them that`s a killer!
#botanicalillustration #waterviolet #hottonia #aquaticplants
Completed Knight Bishop apple.
Thanks to @pollyolearyartist I`ve figured out how to show red flush and streaks without it looking clunky. Who knew you could (and should!) stipple with watercolour!
Now I just have to wait til spring to illustrate the blossom from the same tree.
#apples #paintingfruit #afal #botanicalillustration #botanicalart
Can`t resist posting a couple more pictures of my lovely enamel lapel pins made by @gsjj_pins, alongside the artwork they`re based on
You can create your own lapel pin badges using your artwork by following the link: https://bit.ly/4eAypiQ
GS-JJ provided the lapel pins free of charge in exchange for the creation of an unboxing film, but I have to say irrelevant of this, I really love them
GS JJ make soft and hard enamel pins, antique pins, 3D and cut out pins, and can make them shiny or sandblasted. They offer shiny, antique, dual, and rainbow platings. Follow them on insta @gsjj_pins
#lapelpins #customlapelpins #botanicalillustration
This film is of me unboxing the enamel lapel pins created by @gsjj_pins based on my botanical illustrations of an Oak leaf and of a Fly agaric fungus (which I show alongside the pins).
It’s very cool to be able to make your art and illustrations wearable.
Create your own lapel pin badges using your artwork by following the link:
https://bit.ly/4eAypiQ
GS-JJ provided the lapel pins free of charge in exchange for the creation of this unboxing film.
The company offer free shipping, low prices, and no minimum number.
GS JJ make soft and hard enamel pins, antique pins, 3D and cut out pins, and can make them shiny or sandblasted. They offer shiny, antique, dual, and rainbow platings.
Follow them on Instagram @gsjj_pins
Music by Bensound
License code: N7SKYLTISFIMHZOD
#lapelpins #customlapelpins #botanicalillustration
This week`s blog is about a fascinating trip to @cranfieldcolours paint and printing inks factory :
https://lizzieharper.co.uk/2024/10/a-visit-to-cranfield-paint-factory/
It was like living an episode of "Inside the Factory", or like I`d gone through the Round Window on Playschool (showing my age...)
Not only was it really interesting to learn about paint manufacture, but there was something deeply satisfying about seeing the massive amounts of paint being carefully made and packaged.
Thanks to Lucy Warry of www.agnes.community for organising, and to Michael Craine and all the staff for such a warm welcome.
#paintmanufacturing #cranfieldcolours #ColourLikeNoOther #artsupplies #illustratorperks #makingpaint
Another day another apple.
I`ve found the best way to tackle these fruit is with stippling (thanks @pollyolearyartist !). Still tricky subjects, mind you. But at least the studio smells glorious and autumnal.
#sciart ##naturalhistoryilliustration #botanialillustration #botanicalart #apples #appleart
Lizzie Harper Newsletter October 2024
My latest newsletter talks about recent jobs like illustrating native plants of Montserrat and adding to the Welsh Marches Pomona, working on fold-out identification guides and information boards. Teaching sessions for 2025, links to blogs and films, and the chance to buy original illustrations are also included.
