Biological Illustration

Biological Illustration is a specific kind of art that aims to illuminate the understanding of biology, the scientific study of life. Scientific illustration (which includes biological illustration as a sub-genera) is a practice that aims to accurately document visual aspects of science (the systematic study of nature) for furthering scientific knowledge in the pursuit of truth, fact, and certainty. Anatomical, zoological, botanical, technological, and medical illustrations are found globally in archeological sites that date back to the origins of civilization in the late Paleolithic period to the Neolithic Revolution (10,000- 8,000 years ago). As societies evolved through the ages, from early civilizations through the various empires, dynasties, and monarchies, and into the contemporary age of nation-building, our sophistication in visually communicating science has co-evolved. With observation being a vital skill of the scientific method, scientific discoveries (especially in the past 2023 years) have been directly related to technological advancements in imaging the macro and the micro. Art and science are inextricably linked.

“Lower mandible of Homo neanderthalensis, “KMH2, Kebara”, graphite, 1998.

ecology, mimicry, biology, illustration, biological, atlas, moth, king, cobra, painting, art

“Mimicry”, tradigital painting, 2023. The markings on the wings of the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) mimic the head of the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah). These markings deter predators, such as birds, from hunting the Atlas Moth. This painting celebrates the wonder of the evolutionary adaptive advantage of mimicry.

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“The Big Catch”, tradigital painting, 2023. A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) catching a pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha).

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“Dried skeleton of common starfish (Asterias rubens)”, carbon dust on vellum, 2020.

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“Life cycle of the endangered Southwest Arroyo Toad
(Anaxyrus californicus)”, tradigital painting, 2023.

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“A Conservation Success Story: The Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), watercolor, 2021.

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“Trophic Trio”, watercolor, 2021. Swordfish, Big Fin Squid, and anchovy demonstrate the trophic food chain in the ocean.