Biological illustrations are a critical means by which scientistsfrom a variety of disciplines can clearly and effectivelycommunicate anatomical and morphological features,biological processes, genetic and phylogenetic relationships,and many more phenomena that are characteristic of organisms.Due to the highly diverse nature of concepts encompassed,multiple artistic techniques are necessary to successfullycommunicate these concepts. For example, a botanist mayrequire an illustration that clearly shows the basic structureof vegetative and reproductive features of a plant. Undersuch circumstances, it would be inappropriate to provide awatercolor illustration when a simple pen and ink illustrationto show the diagnostic characters would suffice. Knowledgeof artistic techniques and when they are appropriate enhancescommunication of complex topics within the scientificcommunity. A carefully rendered illustration can oftenmore clearly indicate important diagnostic characters than aphotograph. To demonstrate the consideration that must begiven to planning and illustrating a variety of organisms,I have produced multiple pieces of artwork for each ofthe following scientific illustration techniques: graphite,pen-and-ink, color (watercolor and mixed media), digital,and overall design. These techniques allow for enhancedcommunication and invite the general populace to explorethe wonders of the natural world.
Citation preview
CoverInner PagesInner Cover PageXavier
MossIntroductionGraphiteG1G2G3G4G5G6Pen and
InkPI1PI2PI3PI4PI5PI6PI7PI8WatercolorWC1WC2WC3WC4WC5WC6WC7WC8WC9WC10DigitalDG1DG2DG3DG4DG5DG6DG7DesignD1D2D3D4D5Closing
Remarks
