ferns Archives - Lizzie Harper

Plant Evolution: A brief overview

Posted on 25th November 2022 in Biological terminology: Definitions, botanical terms

Plant Evolution is complicated, and in this blog I plan on simplifying it and trying to share some of the awe and joy that I get from the kindgom of plants. All the information is based an an excellent talk I recently heard on the subject, by Chris Thorogood and hosted by Julia Trickey. Plants […] Read more

Illustrating Bracken and Ferns

Posted on 6th August 20218th May 2023 in botanical terms, Illustration techniques, Showcase of themed natural history illustrations

Illustrating bracken and ferns may seem to be a really difficult job. However, the challenge lies in the drawing, not in adding the colour. I recently completed an illustration of Bracken Pteridium aquilinum for a forthcoming Field Studies Council Guide to the flora of Woodlands. I thought this was the perfect chance to explain the […] Read more

Using Negative Space

Posted on 27th March 201510th December 2018 in Illustration techniques

Natural history illustration requires the illustrator to draw accurately and with confidence, and using negative space can help with this. It’s a tool I use every day. The easiest way to think of negative space is as the space between and around objects; the triangles between spokes of a bike wheel, the ovals in the […] Read more

Illustrating lower plants in a churchyard

Posted on 6th February 20157th December 2018 in Current projects and news

Natural history subjects to draw and paint abound. Many relish the tranquility of the British churchyard. The Field Studies Council know this, and have recently commissioned my botanical illustrations for a fold out chart. Lower plants love the damp stone of a churchyard. You find many ferns across the UK in churchyards and cemeteries, including this Hart’s […] Read more