#anomalocarid

Jun (twitter), also known as Junnn11 on wikipedia. He is a Japanese artist who's work you might've seen if you've visited the anomalocaris/radiodonta wikis

His unique style breathes so much life into these extinct animals with the way they're coloured and posed while also paying close attention to animal's body plan and making sure they appear scientifically accurate! I have a lot of adoration and admiration for these illustrations. But He doesn't limit himself with JUST radiodonts. He's also illustrated a lot of other different animals (here)

I would not have known about these creatures if he hadn't drawn them! But this is not the only work he does. He also makes more detailed diagrams of these animals and their anatomy. He has even made some animations to further bring these creatures alive! (here)

“Tamisiocaris borealis”

Here’s an illustration I’ve made of Tamisiocaris borealis, an anomalocarid discovered from an appendage in Cambrian stage 3 strata (521 mya-514 mya).  It predates the Burgess Shale (508 mya), which is where the first Anomalocarid was discovered.  When an appendage of Tamisiocaris borealis was found with little filaments attached, it was concluded that it was a filter feeding animal, much like modern whales.  This is different from most Anomalocarids, which were active predators, except for one other known Anomalocarid, Aegriocassis.  The discovery of this filter feeder has helped scientists make better assumptions about the early Paleozoic oceans.

How to paint underwater scenes in watercolor??  Even though water is in the name of watercolor, it seems especially difficult for me to produce a satisfying result.