laurnie

To show our appreciation for estuaries this last day of National Estuaries Week here are some beautiful photos from around the United States.

Estuaries are incredibly important ecosystems that include diverse landscapes like muddy marshes, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, oyster reefs, rocky tidal pools, sandy beaches—pretty much anywhere that fresh water from rivers meets the salty ocean tides. They serve as habitat nurseries for young fish and birds, absorb and store large amounts of carbon, and help protect coastlines during powerful storms (to name just a few of their many functions). We truly owe a lot to these diverse and beautiful places.   

Buckle in Anon because this is going to be a long list. I should start off by mentioning the artists who set me on this path. A little more than five years ago I was an art student in Community college and I worked for the art department there for about 2 years. In 2012 I helped to hang an exhibition for a local botanical and scientific illustrator named Judy Waller. Judy and her husband, John, are both illustrators that work on textbooks. Below is a painting she gave to me in thanks for helping her with the show. (http://www.johnandjudywaller.com)

 In 2013 I met another illustrator named John Megahan who was at first apprehensive about seeing my sketchbook but said afterwards that I could do this kind of work full time. He encouraged me to utilize the collections at the Marine facility I was interning at. Below is one of the digital paintings he was working on when we met. (http://www.johnmegahan.com/index.php)

 In 2016 I managed to also take a Scientific Illustration course at Oregon State with David Maddison. In addition to his entomological research he makes beautiful and realistic beetle illustrations with all kinds of media. Below is a mixed media piece he made that has been turned into a sticker on his office door. (https://subulatepalpomere.com)

Sacred Collection – Jay Crosby

Ellen Jewett Sculpts Surreal Creatures in Exquisite Detail

Ellen was born in Markham Ontario, Canada and in 2007 completed her post secondary honors degree in Anthropology and Fine Art at McMaster University. With an eclectic background that spans anthropological studies, stop motion animation, medical illustration, and even the care of exotic animals, Jewett draws inspiration from a myriad of sources. In her ongoing collection of intricately-crafted creatures, artist exhibits her imaginative approach to animal sculpture. Each mixed-media work of art merges real-life fauna with fantastical elements, culminating in a strange and surreal series of beings. Ellen’s work is achieving a vibrant internet presence making notable appearances on popular websites. 

Her Facebook and Etsy shop.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home - run with us.