The Art of Biology

Date

2011-02-16

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Abstract

For centuries scientists have been using illustrations to inform their audience in the clearest way possible, yet despite the amount of time emerging student scientists spend making sketches required by instructors, very few take the drawings seriously and make them with pride. In this study, the process and challenges faced by an amateur biological illustrator are followed. The study involves an exploration of the hind limb morphology of the marine toad, Bufo marinus, focusing primarily on the musculature. The results collected from five specimens are presented. Illustrations showing the anatomical relationships between muscles were made in conjunction with dissections where muscles were removed one at a time. The illustrations include superficial studies in watercolor as well as over thirty drawings made during the muscle removal process. The careful observation of B. marinus has produced a body of works that illustrate the structural complexities of the hind limb. These complexities include findings on muscle size, location, and shape. The illustrative process challenges the illustrator to bring the physicality, life, and immediacy of a subject to the viewer.

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Keywords

Bufo, marinus, biological, illustration

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