hedgehog Archives - Lizzie Harper

Beatrix Potter: Illustrator and Inspiration

Posted on 11th November 202216th February 2023 in Scientific Illustrator out and about, Showcase of themed natural history illustrations

Beatrix Potter is known to people the world over as the creator of the Peter Rabbit books. These are indeed wonderful, but there’s so much more to explore. This blog examines a little of the extraordinary skill and illustrative mastery of this Victorian writer and illustrator, thanks to a recent visit to the Beatrix Potter: […] Read more

Festival of the Hedgehog

Posted on 23rd May 201430th November 2018 in Painting workshops

Natural history illustration includes demonstrations of botanical illustration skills, teaching, and loving animals like the humble hedgehog. Artist in residence during The Festival of the Hedgehog I was recently asked to be “artist in residence” and to lead a drop-in workshop at Ross-on-Wye’s central library. This is to mark Ross’s Celebration of the Hedgehog (the symbol of the […] Read more

Fox Vulpes vulpes with Badgers Meles meles natural history illustration by Lizzie Harper

Wildlife encounters on the doorstep

Posted on 14th February 201427th November 2018 in Scientific Illustrator out and about

As a natural science illustrator, I spend my working life surrounded with bits of wildlife. Plants, boxes of insects, and endless books and photos of animal reference. Whenever I can I work from live specimens I do (and my freezer will testify to the dead specimens I have on hand…). Tight deadlines and practicalities often […] Read more

Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus natural history illustration by Lizzie Harper

Natural History Illustration: Don’t work for free

Posted on 17th January 201427th November 2018 in Illustration techniques

Natural history illustrator (Claudia Hahn) tweets (angrily) that she’s been asked to do a load of work for a successful music company…for free. What’s sad is that this is a very familiar tale. I’ve decided to write a quick blog about why this is never a good idea. Who asks illustrators to work for free? […] Read more