Journal Articles

Browse the list of all Open Access and Members Only articles from the Journal of Natural Science Illustration (JNSI).

image credit: Tristan Stephen, 2022

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2026

Member Spotlight

— Van Wangye

Van Wangye • April 29, 2026

Van Wangye reflects on a unique path shaped by early exposure to natural specimens and traditional medicine.

Open Access

The Album of Plant Families Cover Art

The Album of Plant Families — A Book Review

Kathleen Garness - May 22, 2026

Wendy Hollender's lavishly illustrated book is a contem-plation on 22 plant families in a large book format.

Open Access

Wendy Hollender

Creating The Album of Plant Families

Wendy Hollender - June 30, 2026

Wendy Hollender describes the inspiration, research, process, and publishing journey behind The Album of Plant Families.

Member Only Access

Wendy Hollender

Creating The Album of Plant Families

Mallery Quetawki - July 31, 2026

Zuni artist Mallery Quetawki translates environmental health research into culturally relevant Indigenous art. 

Member Only Access

2025 → 2021

Book Review: Little Beasts, Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Julianne Snider • December 31, 2025

A richly illustrated look at Renaissance natural history through Hoefnagel and van Kessel’s detailed works.

Open Access

Member Spotlight — Deborah K. Haines

Deborah K. Haines (Deb) BA, MFA, CMI, FAMI • May 17, 2025

A profile of GNSI president Deb Haines and her path from medical illustration to Guild leadership.

Open Access

Yale Peabody Museum Natural Science Illustration Program

Dorie Petrochko • December 31, 2024

Learn about the Yale Peabody Museum’s Natural Science Illustration Program launched in 2009 by four GNSI Artist Members.

Open Access

Book Review: Drawing Nature by Linda Feltner

Nancy Halliday • December 30, 2024

Linda Miller Feltner blends technique and storytelling in a guide to drawing birds from life.

Open Access

Scratchboard Illustration Techniques

Rhonda Nass • September 7, 2024

An introduction to scratchboard, from its origins to modern techniques and step-by-step methods.

Open Access

Indian Botanical Art in the 21st Century

Nirupa Rao • February 29, 2024

An artist reflects on discovering botanical art and building a practice without formal training.

Open Access

Three-Dimensional Design: How to Prepare Models

Mieke Roth • December 12, 2023

Insights into 3D printing for illustrators, with practical advice and comparisons to traditional methods.

Open Access

Book Review: Building Science Graphics by Jen Christiansen

Diogo Guerra • May 16, 2023

Diogo gives a positive review of this practical guide to creating clear, engaging explanatory diagrams for scientific communication.

Open Access

Member Spotlight — Sara Lynn Cramb

Sara Lynn Cramb • May 2, 2023

An illustrator’s journey shaped by childhood creativity, nature, and classic children’s books.

Open Access

Book Review: The Cold Canyon Fire Journals by Robin Lee Carlson

Linda M. Feltner • February 16, 2023

An intimate look at wildfire and recovery, blending observation, science, and personal reflection.

Open Access

Creating a Fine Art Painting: From Research to Exhibit

Erin E. Hunter • January 1, 2023

Erin Hunter shares her process behind “Look Closer,” a vibrant painting of bee pollinators.

Open Access

Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom Decal Project — Elizabeth Morales

Elizabeth Morales, Marla Coppolino, Carla DeMello, Lucy Gagliardo, and Annie Zygarowicz • September 8, 2022

The Finger Lakes Chapter develops educational species ID decals for use on Cayuga Lake.

Open Access

GNSI 2021 Special Projects Award: Joel Floyd

Kalliopi Monoyios • June 12, 2022

Joel Floyd is recognized for leading GNSI’s successful shift to innovative virtual conferences.

Open Access

Book Review: Natural History Illustration in Pen and Ink by Sarah Morrish

Review by Camille Werther • April 6, 2022

An in-depth review of a guide to pen and ink illustration, offering techniques and inspiration for all skill levels.

Open Access

Book Review: Natural History of Edward Lear, New Edition, by Robert McCracken Peck

C.Olivia Carlisle • February 2, 2022

A richly illustrated look at Edward Lear’s dual legacy as naturalist artist and literary figure.

Open Access

Restoration of Extinct Species

Anthony James Gustafson • January 29, 2022

A reflection on prehistoric storytelling and the lasting impact of early animal depictions.

Open Access

Member Spotlight: Mary Ellen Taylor

Mary Ellen Taylor • October 18, 2021

An artist traces their path to botanical art, shaped by time in the Galápagos Islands.

Open Access

Drawing for Scientific Illustrations: Book Review

Joel Floyd • May 1, 2021

A look into a book preserving the legacy of Donald B. Sayner’s influential scientific illustration classes.

Open Access

2020 → 2015

Book Review: The Science Behind Flowers, by Dick Rauh

Camille Werther • December 19, 2020

Review of a comprehensive botanical reference blending plant science with artistic techniques and teaching tools.

Open Access

Alexander von Humboldt and the United States: Art, Nature, and Culture - By Eleanor Jones Harvey

Britt Griswold • December 12, 2020

A look at Humboldt’s influence on art, science, and culture in early America and beyond.

Open Access

Corona Cuisine

W. Scott Rawlins • August 1, 2020

Artists turn to cooking and gardening as creative outlets during times of isolation and uncertainty.

Open Access

Product Review: Stonehenge Aqua Black

Gail Guth & Camille Werther • May 20, 2020

An experimentation with Stonehenge's Aqua Black artist paper.

Open Access

Member Spotlight: MaryBeth Hinrichs

jlucjen • March 2, 2020

A winding journey into scientific illustration reveals the value of patience and persistence.

Open Access

In Memoriam: Elaine R. S. Hodges

Trudy Nicholson • January 30, 2020

Remembering Elaine R. S. Hodges and her lasting impact on GNSI and the field.

Open Access

Member Spotlight: Rick Simonson

Rick Simonson • May 8, 2019

Rick Simonson shares how farm life and curiosity led to a career in scientific illustration.

Open Access

Tutorial: Grow Your Digital Plant

Heno Hwang • March 8, 2019

In this tutorial article, the author shows how to make a complete plant using the Maya 3D® application, and Photoshop®.

Open Access

Tutorial: Non-Photo Blue Pencils

Dino Pulera • February 8, 2019

A guide to using non-photo blue pencils for loose, flexible preliminary sketches.

Open Access

Illuminations of a 3D Alphabet — Carolyn Bartlett Gast

Carolyn Bartlett Gast • December 22, 2018

Exploring stereoscopic illustration and medieval influences through a unique artistic experiment.

Open Access

Member Spotlight: Mesa Schumacher

Mesa Schumacher • June 1, 2018

An illustrator’s origin story shaped by curiosity, creativity, and hands-on exploration.

Open Access

Member Spotlight: Dino Pulerá

Dino Pulerà • March 3, 2018

From comics to science, an artist reflects on balancing passion with practical career choices.

Open Access

In Memoriam: Diane Dorrigan

Alexandrea Pataky • December 27, 2017

Diane’s legacy is one that will live on through the thousands of students and colleagues and friends that she touched along the way.

Open Access

Member Spotlight: Natalya Zahn

Natalia Zahn • June 20, 2017

Natalia Zahn reflects on her artistic path and deep connection to the natural world.

Open Access

The Art and Science of Colorful Leaves

Gail Selfridge • March 2, 2017

The story behind Colorful Leaves, a guide to teaching botanical art through observation.

Open Access

Interpreting Five Fingers: An Interview With Sharon Birzer

Audrey Freudenberg • February 8, 2016

An artist-in-residence explores narrative and the body through experimental visual systems.

Open Access

Member Spotlight: Marlene Hill Donnelly

Marlene Hill Donnelly • October 8, 2015

A profile of Marlene’s career in paleontological art, fieldwork, and museum education.

Open Access

Member Spotlight: Amelia Janes

Amelia Janes • January 25, 2015

Amelia Janes blends cartography and illustration in a career rooted in nature and design.

Open Access