Journal of Nature Science Illustrators Vol. 56, No. 2: Abstracts
Welcome to the second edition of 2024!
The second 2024 issue of The Journal features a medical illustrator's journey into printmaking with step-by-step techniques, a review of Linda Feltner's book on her creative process, insights into Catherine Hu's mentorship of Scientific Illustration interns at the Field Museum, and an exploration of Yale Peabody's Natural Scientific Illustration program.
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Nature and Anatomy:
From the Computer to the Printing Press
— Caroline Erolin
Caroline's path to printmaking began with a passion for realistic wildlife art, developed further in medical illustration, and ultimately evolved into a deep engagement with printmaking. Inspired by anatomy and nature, this artist creates linocuts, wood engravings, and etching works that blend scientific detail with artistic expression. With renewed freedom, they depict wildlife subjects with anatomical twists, exploring complex themes through various print techniques and materials, while maintaining safety practices in each medium.
Book Review:
Drawing Nature: The Creative Process of an Artist, Illustrator, and Naturalist
by Linda Miller Feltner
(open access)
— Reviewed by Nancy Halliday, Member, SAA, GNSI, NAGMA
Linda Miller Feltner’s book goes beyond a simple drawing manual, inviting readers on her lifelong artistic journey fueled by a deep love for nature. With a particular fascination for birds, she emphasizes drawing from live animals to capture their essence and fluidity, and she guides students through techniques for refining sketches and planning paintings. Feltner’s book combines technical instruction with personal insights, offering both inspiration and practical advice on creating authentic, conservation-minded artwork.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientific Illustrators
— Catherine Hu
This story traces the author’s unexpected journey into scientific illustration, which began with observing plant details during an ecological internship and evolved into a rewarding career blending art and science. Now an ecologist at the Field Museum, the author supervises an intern program supported by a conservation grant, guiding early career artists to explore native plant and pollinator relationships through illustration. The program combines scientific accuracy with creative expression to raise public awareness and offers participants unique professional and artistic development opportunities.
Yale Peabody Museum
Natural Science Illustration Program
— Dorie Petrochko
The Yale Peabody Museum's Natural Science Illustration Program celebrates its 15th anniversary in September 2024. Established in 2009 by four professional artists and Guild of Natural Science Illustrators members, the program began with a focus on natural science and botanical illustration. Originally held at the museum in New Haven and Yale's West Campus, it now serves a global audience with students from 38 U.S. states and 12 countries and offers a variety of online and in-person classes. Courses include drawing, watercolor, digital illustration, vertebrate anatomy, and more, using museum specimens for inspiration.
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