August 2013 - Lizzie Harper

butterfly, insect, lepidoptera, butterflies,

Natural History Illustration: Butterflies gallery

Posted on 30th August 201321st November 2018 in Showcase of themed natural history illustrations

Before they disappear for another year, I thought it might be worth putting up a collection of my illustrations of some of the more common British butterfly species. These have mostly been commissioned privately, or by the Wildlife Trusts. For a really good guide to the commoner British butterfly species, you should get The Butterflies of Britian […] Read more

Lichen, bryophytes, fungi, botany, botanical terms, lichens,

Introduction to Lichens

Posted on 23rd August 201321st November 2018 in Scientific Illustrator out and about

Botanical illustration involves illustrating what are traditionally known as the “lower plants” as well as the green leafy ones. Lichens fall into this category (along with the very different mosses, and liverworts) although in fact they’re much closer relatives of fungi. Lichen courses Having been on a lichen course with Ray Woods, through RWT and written it […] Read more

life cycle, cycles, adult, larva, natural history illustration, natural science illustration,

Scientific Illustration: Life Cycles

Posted on 16th August 201321st November 2018 in Showcase of themed natural history illustrations

Often, commissions come in calling for a natural history illustration of entire life cycles of an animal. Although these are challenging, they’re one of my favourite jobs as it’s vital to include all the stages asked for and to make the image work well in terms of composition; a perfect blend of zoological knowledge and […] Read more

Sxs, step by step, art tutorial, watercolour techniques, online class, tutorial, botanical, botanical art, flower painting, sketchbook, sketchbook style, sketchbook study, honeysuckle,

Botanical Illustration of honeysuckle

Posted on 9th August 201321st November 2018 in Botanical Illustration step by step

As mentioned in earlier blogs (Step by step illustration of a rose, Step by step painting a sweet pea), I’m currently working on a series of common cultivated plants which are also edible. Honeysuckle is on the list. Honeysuckle I love honeysuckle (wild and cultivated), I love the way the pinks and reds flush on the […] Read more

Hawkmoth, lepidoptera, Achenrontia, deaths head, deathshead,

Scientific Illustration of a Death’s Head Hawkmoth

Posted on 3rd August 201321st November 2018 in Zoological step by step

I received a private commission to do a scientific illustration of the Death’s head hawkmoth, Acherontia atropos for someone who is passionate about moths. Normally the first step is to get a specimen to work from, but alas in this case there were none at the local museum, and the deadline was tight. Gathering reference I collated […] Read more