Journal of Nature Science Illustrators Vol. 57, No. 1: Abstracts

May 16, 2025

Cover: Life in a Vernal Pool. Eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis saurita), ringed boghaunter
(Williamsonia lintneri), spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus), eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), and astern fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus vernalis). Mixed media on hot press. © 2024 Lauren Richelieu, she/her

Welcome to the first edition of 2025!

Welcome to the Journal of Natural Science Illustration Volume 57, Number 1, 2025. Bea Martin opens the issue with her reflections on sketching in Alaska’s Kootznoowoo Wilderness, blending sustainability and deep observation. Kalliopi Monoyios, along with Kirsten Carlson, Taina Litwak, Tania Marien, and Fiona Martin, delivers a compelling argument for the power of visuals in climate communication and the vital role of visual science communicators in today’s world. Emma Regnier and Karin von May celebrate the creativity and precision of CSUMB’s 2024 science illustration graduates, while Stephen DiCerbo invites us to reconnect and learn at the upcoming Visual SciComm Conference. We also meet incoming GNSI president Deb Haines, profiled by Deborah K. Haines, whose career bridges medicine, veterinary science, and leadership.

Log into your account to view the Journal: JNSI 2025 Vol. 57, No. 1

Not yet a subscriber? To view the issue for free, become a GNSI member today!

Editor’s Note — Fiona Martin

Fiona Martin reflects on the evolving role of science illustration, emphasizing its power to communicate complex ideas in an emotionally resonant, accessible way, highlighting the importance of this now in the midst of a challenging and unpredictable political and social climate.

A Bear-able Adventure. Interpretive
poster for the 2024 Alaskan Voices
of the Wilderness artist-in-residency,
Kootznoowoo Wilderness, Tongass
National Forest. Water-soluble
and regular colour pencils.
© 2024 Bea Martin

Sketching On Location — Bea Martin

Bea Martin recounts her time as an artist-in-residence in Alaska’s Kootznoowoo Wilderness, where she embraced minimal equipment and sustainable practices. Her experience highlights the power of daily sketching and immersion in nature to build observational skills and deepen environmental awareness.

In this sweeping
depiction of how rising
sea levels will affect the
Red Sea coastline, visual
science communicator
Xavier Pita literally brings a
solution-minded approach
to the fore by illustrating two
scenarios—how the coastline
might change if we invest in
infrastructure adaptations
(front) and what we might
face if we do nothing (back).
In this way, Pita unpacks the
suite of changes that may
or may not unfold in the
complex interplay of climate
change and mitigation
efforts. © 2021 Xavier Pita/
King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology

Visuals as a Catalyst for Climate Science Communication, Part 1 — Kalliopi Monoyios, Kirsten Carlson, Taina Litwak, Tania Marien, Fiona Martin

This comprehensive article explores how visual science communicators make climate data accessible, memorable, and emotionally compelling. It emphasizes the urgent need to integrate illustrators into science communication teams across academia, government, and media to foster public engagement and drive action.

Tread Carefully in the Redwoods. SantaCruz black salamander (Aneides niger), redwoodsorrel (Oxalis oregana), European earwig
(Forficula auricularia), common pill woodlouse
(Armadillidium vulgare) and coast redwood
(Sequoia sempervirens). Gouache on hot press,
cut paper dimensional collage. © 2024 Brynna
Reilly, she/her. brynnaillustrates.square.site

Illustrating Nature: CSUMB Science Illustration Graduate Program Class of 2024 — Emma Regnier and Karin von May

This feature showcases the diverse, imaginative work of graduates from California State University Monterey Bay’s science illustration program. The students blend technical skill and artistic flair to interpret complex natural subjects, demonstrating the next generation’s creative potential.

A Look Ahead at the 2025 Visual SciComm Conference — Stephen DiCerbo

Stephen DiCerbo previews the upcoming in-person GNSI Visual Science Communication Conference at Bridgewater State University. The article highlights workshops, networking opportunities, and a renewed sense of community after years of virtual-only events.

Deb Haines. Portrait
by Phil Snow, UTCVM
medical photographer.

Member Spotlight — Deborah K. Haines (Open Access)

This profile of new GNSI president Deb Haines traces her path from veterinary and medical illustration to leadership within the Guild. Her story underscores the importance of interdisciplinary skills and lifelong learning in a science illustration career.

Article Abstracts for the Journal of Natural Science Illustrators, Vol. 57, No. 1, 2025.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share this post:

Member Spotlight: Deborah K. Haines (Deb)

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

Deb Haines. Portrait by Phil Snow-UTCVM medical photographer

Yale Peabody Museum Natural Science Illustration Program

By Dorie Petrochko • December 31, 2024

September 2024 marks the fifteenth year of the Yale Peabody Museum’s Natural Science Illustration Program. The program was launched in 2009 by four professional artists and members of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators: Cindy Gilbane, Susannah Graedel, Dorie Petrochko, and Jan Prentice.

Drawing Nature: The Creative Process of an Artist, Illustrator, and Naturalist by Linda Miller Feltner

By — Reviewed by Nancy Halliday Member, SAA, GNSI, NAGMA • December 30, 2024

The title seems to indicate this is yet another drawing instruction manual, but the author, Linda Miller Feltner, instead invites us to join her on a lifelong journey in artistic fulfillment through personal discovery.