November 2013 - Lizzie Harper

Grey heron Ardea cinerea natural history illustration by Lizzie Harper

Illustrating Birds on the River Wye

Posted on 29th November 201326th November 2018 in Showcase of themed natural history illustrations

Bird illustrations Over the years I’ve done bird paintings, natural history illustrations, ornithological illustrations, scientific illustrations; call them what you will, but I’ve painted loads of British bird species. It’s always a joy to see the birds I’ve depicted in the flesh (in the feather), and this often happens by the river Wye. I go […] Read more

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus natural history illustration by Lizzie Harper

Botanical Illustrations, a Sparrowhawk, and some Butterflies

Posted on 22nd November 201326th November 2018 in Current projects and news

Botanical illustrations Commission by Rodale I’ve just finished a whole set of botanical illustrations for “Rodale’s 21st century Herbal” by Michael Balick; a mix of full watercolours like this cross section of an Echinacea; pen and ink with colour wash, like this sheet of seeds and fruit; step-by-step gardening illustrations like this layering of marjoram, and a bundle […] Read more

tutorial, art tutorial, botanical illustration, flower art, watercolour lesson, watercolor, natural history illustration, scientific illustration, sciart, botanical illustration, step by step, sxs, quince,

Step by step Sketchbook study of a quince

Posted on 15th November 201327th November 2018 in Botanical Illustration step by step

My botanical illustrations being done for The Cultivated Forager (follow up to The Hedgerow Handbook, also by Adele Nozedar) are, inevitably, going to take a back seat over the colder months of the winter. However, this sprig of quince was still looking fresh, and the fruit in perfect condition. Drawing up a quince As before, this […] Read more

hand, hands, diagram, explanatory illustration, step by step, sxs, drawing hands, illustrating hands,

Gardening illustrations: Drawing hands

Posted on 8th November 201325th November 2018 in Illustration techniques

As scientific and botanical illustrators; it’s unlikely that you’ll choose to draw hands doing the steps involved in various gardening techniques unless you’re getting paid for it. Why draw hands? However, there are benefits to taking on this sort of work. It can be quick, the pay’s not too bad, and I know a great […] Read more

leaf, leaf attachment, botany, botanical terms, leaves, veins, venation,

Leaf Shape: Margins, Venation and Position

Posted on 1st November 201325th November 2018 in botanical terms

In last week’s blog I discussed simple vs compound leaves and basic leaf shape. This week I tackle margins, different venation patterns, and key ways that leaves are attached to the stem. The terms discussed are in bold text. The examples are all illustrations I’ve done over the years. If you find any mistakes feel free […] Read more