odonata Archives - Lizzie Harper

Illustrating a new Damselfly species

Posted on 6th January 201730th December 2018 in Current projects and news

One of the more exciting recent natural history illustration commissions I’ve had is to complete a Sciart watercolour of a newly discovered species of damselfly. I’ve illustrated damselflies before (see my blog) and even done a series of postage stamps on these insects. This commission was different. The insect in question is the Sarep sprite, Pseudoagrion […] Read more

Natural history illustrations of Dragonflies

Posted on 27th June 201430th November 2018 in Showcase of themed natural history illustrations

Following on from my natural science entomological illustrations of damselflies last week; this week I’ll be looking at common British dragonflies. I really learnt to love these amazing animals whilst working on a series of postage stamps for Jersey Post (see my blog on this “dream job“); and this affection continues. Identifying dragonflies Dragonflies are glorious insects, […] Read more

Natural history illustrations: Damselflies

Posted on 20th June 201430th November 2018 in Showcase of themed natural history illustrations

Entomological illustrations and natural science illustrations of damselflies are not an uncommon request. Over the years I’ve completed many. Challenges of painting damselflies One might think the real challenge with such a subject is the wings; but that’s not the case. A damselfly wing is not a hard thing to render. You just need a […] Read more

entomology, entomological illustration, illustrating stamps, natural science illustration, dragonfly,

Dragonfly Postage Stamps

Posted on 7th July 201315th November 2018 in Current projects and news

As a natural history illustrator, sometimes you’re commissioned to do the most wonderful jobs. This was the case with Jersey Post’s series of stamps; damsels & dragons. Lots of dragonfly and damselfly illustrations. Past stamp issues completed for Jersey Post I’ve worked with Jersey Post before. I completed a series of botanical illustrations of roses for them back […] Read more

Dragonflies and a botanical illustration of a dandelion

Posted on 5th November 201218th October 2018 in Current projects and news

I was away in Swaledale most of this week, painting a bathroom blue and walking about in mud. As always, it’s incredibly beautiful up there, but half term is not condusive to getting work done. It was hailing and sleeting as we left, so returning home to sketching a dandelion was no hardship. I’ve been […] Read more

Fungus, lichens, and dragonflies

Posted on 15th October 20123rd December 2018 in Current projects and news

This week has been a treat; although I’ve been working in the studio, I also got to be out in the countryside looking at fungus. First was a day studying Lichen and fungi with Ray Woods, a mycological expert, at Gilfach. Organised by Radnorshire Wildlife Trust; we got to search for fungus, learn about their […] Read more

Violet botanical illustration and a rough

Posted on 1st October 201218th October 2018 in Current projects and news

Firstly, I’ve finished my secret job! All I’m waiting for now is the go-ahead (or request for minor changes) from an extremely helpful entomological expert, then I can send off the finished articles. And invoice my client, and get paid! I’ve spent some very happy hours collating research for this big private commission; getting old […] Read more