July 2015 - Lizzie Harper

Botanical Illustration: Sketchbook studies

Posted on 31st July 201513th December 2018 in Illustration techniques

A sketchbook is a vital part of both the drawing and the learning process for me. Being asked to consider my relationship with them recently by Illustrator Magazine has made me pause. It’s not something I’ve thought about before, but it has made me realize just how vital these tools are to me. This blog […] Read more

Natural History Illustration at Art in Action

Posted on 24th July 201513th December 2018 in Scientific Illustrator out and about

I was honored and delighted to be asked to join the Calligraphers and Illustrators this year at Art in Action. It’s an annual event at Waterperry Gardens near Oxford. Being a demonstrator gives me the chance to sell my original illustrations and cards to the thousands of visitors who attend this amazing event. I also got to demonstrate how […] Read more

Botanical Illustration: Working from Photo reference

Posted on 10th July 201513th December 2018 in Illustration techniques

As a natural history illustrator, you often get asked to complete botanical illustrations of plants which aren’t in season, or bloom. This is where sketchbooks, filled with notes prove invaluable. But what if you’re asked to illustrate a botanical subject you’ve not got notes on, and which you can’t get hold of? Use a photo. […] Read more

Biolblitz at Llanbwchllyn Lake

Posted on 3rd July 201513th December 2018 in Scientific Illustrator out and about

As a natural history illustrator, it’s inevitable that I’m passionate about wildlife. Wildlife close to home is especially appealing, so when my local Wildlife Trust, RWT offered a “Focus on Nature Bioblitz at Llanbwychllyn Lake” I had to go along. I love the wildlife trusts, and this is a perfect example of why. What is a bioblitz? “Bioblitz” […] Read more