Journal of Nature Science Illustrators Vol. 47, No. 2: Abstracts
Welcome to the second edition of 2015!
Welcome to the Journal of Natural Science Illustration Volume 47, Number 2, 2015. Articles in this issue highlight the challenges and importance of editorial illustration in making science accessible, as well as research on how audiences interpret illustrations and strategies for improving comprehension. A member spotlight features Marlene Hill Donnelly’s decades of contributions to paleontological illustration and fieldwork, while a review of recent botanical art books underscores the lasting influence of the field. Ann DuBois shares her experiences with self-publishing, offering practical insights into the publishing world, and updates from GNSI chapters showcase the value of community, collaboration, and outreach. The issue concludes with a preview of the 2015 annual conference, encouraging participation in workshops, networking, and professional development opportunities.
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Editor’s Note — Gail Guth
Co-Editor Gail Guth makes a call to membership for articles for future issues, thanks the authors of the current issue, and promotes the upcoming 2015 GNSI Conference.
Editorial Illustration — by Gail Guth & Marjorie Leggitt
This article highlights the importance of editorial illustration, which blends accuracy with creativity to communicate science to broad audiences. It discusses challenges like client communication, fact-checking, and balancing clarity with design, while also noting its vital role in education and outreach .
Do Viewers Understand Our Illustrations? — by Jennifer Landin
Jennifer Landin examines whether audiences truly understand scientific illustrations, citing studies that show comprehension rates vary widely. She explains common pitfalls, such as ignoring labels or focusing on unimportant details, and suggests how illustrators can improve understanding.
Member Spotlight: Marlene Hill Donnelly
(Open Access)
This profile explores Marlene's lifelong passion for nature and art, from childhood clay modeling to underwater sketching and fieldwork. Her career at the Field Museum has spanned 35 years, where she has specialized in paleontological reconstructions, teaching, and combining field sketching with scientific storytelling.
A New Flowering — Kathleen Garness
KathleenGarness reviews several major books on botanical illustration. She compares their approaches, historical depth, and visual richness, ultimately praising them as valuable resources that demonstrate the enduring importance of botanical art across centuries.
Adventures in Self-Publishing —
Ann DuBois
Ann
recounts her struggles with traditional publishers for her book
Apples of New York
and her eventual turn to self-publishing. She compares publishing contracts, royalties, and print quality from multiple outlets, sharing lessons learned about navigating the evolving publishing industry .
Chapter Happenings — Gail Guth with Diana Marques
This section reports on the activities of GNSI’s regional chapters, which range from informal sketch groups to public exhibits and workshops. The authors emphasize how chapters foster community, professional growth, and outreach, while serving as vital ambassadors for the Guild
