January 2015 - Lizzie Harper

Illustration: Step by step Waxwing

Posted on 29th January 20157th December 2018 in Zoological step by step

Science art, natural history illustration, natural science illustrations, botanical drawing; all these terms cover what I do, But this week’s blog is about creating an ornithological illustration, in this case of the Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus. Drawing the Waxwing First step is always to draw up the bird. I wanted to include background, and hoped scarlet and […] Read more

Botanical Illustration: Ivy

Posted on 22nd January 20157th December 2018 in Botanical Illustration step by step

I recently got to illustrate common Ivy Hedera helix. I’m often asked to do botanical illustrations of this plant, and always enjoy it enormously. Reference is so very easy to come by! I had look on the wall at the back of the garden, and decide the shape of this Ivy sprig is perfect; fluid but […] Read more

Natural History Illustration: Insect anatomy

Posted on 15th January 20157th December 2018 in Biological terminology: Definitions

Insects are my favourite creatures. I love illustrating them in my natural science commissions. Here’s a brief overview of the parts of any insect which should help anyone doing entomological illustration. Insect overview Insects are invertebrates; they sport an external skeleton rather than internal bones. Their limbs are jointed, they’re cold-blooded, have six legs and […] Read more

Botanical Illustration Workshop drawing leaves

Posted on 9th January 20157th December 2018 in Painting workshops

When I ask Hereford Botanical Art society what they would like to learn, they suggest basic drawing skills. They ask for autumn leaves to be the subject matter. I relish the challenge! Collecting autumn leaves of every shape and size, I set up the workshop. (Here’s a link to blogs on other workshops I’ve taught.) […] Read more