One of my favorite kelp forest characters, the garibaldi is the California state marine fish! As juveniles, these littles guys sport bright blue iridescent spots.
(Colored Pencil)
The densest bony fish, these strange yet majestic creatures can weigh up to 5,000 lbs and extend 10 feet from fin to fin! They can be found hanging out on the surface, sunning themselves and getting cleaned by birds and smaller fish (which is why they are called Ocean Sun Fish).
(Watercolor)
These marine gastropods are known mostly for their colorful, iridescent shells. However, they are important members of the kelp forest ecosystem and should be known and recognized for each of their fascinating life stages!
(Watercolor)
These cute, charismatic, fuzzy little mammals are an iconic species in the Monterey Bay. They are a very important species in the ecology of our beloved kelp forest, and definitely an entertaining one.
(Watercolor)
These amazing reptiles are deep-diving, long lived creatures who travel the world’s oceans in a largely mysterious way - they even cruise through the Monterey Bay on occasion! They are labeled a vulnerable species so the more we can learn about them and protect them, the better!
(Watercolor)
Watercolor
These beautiful jellyfish are one of my favorite things to find out exploring the bay. The coloration of the bell is amazing and they are so ethereal flowing through the water.
(Watercolor)
Watercolor
Watercolor
A favorite for divers and snorkelers to spot in the kelp forest, the giant black sea bass can grow up to lengths of 7 feet and weigh up to 800 lbs!
(Pen and Ink)
Three charismatic species whose adult and juvenile forms look quite a bit different! The Blacksmith, Garibaldi, and CA Sheephead are represented here, but there are many others as well- watch for a continuation of this series!
(Acrylic)
Who doesn't love tree fish? My favorite rockfish species personally. I had to throw one on here somewhere. The adults look very similar but have large pink fleshy lips.
(Watercolor)
This member of the Salmon family is native only to North America West of the Rockies, and is a favorite to river and lake enthusiasts, as well as sport fishermen. Its beautiful coloration and unique migratory lifestyle make it a memorable member of the freshwater community (which is obviously underrepresented in my work…)
(Watercolor)
This is a closeup series of different marine organisms. See which ones you can identify!
(Pen and Ink)
Sharks are the greatest. There are so many different unique species and each one contributes to ocean ecology in such an important way. I chose to represent just a few of my favorite species: The Great White Shark, the Leopard Shark, the Horn Shark, the Whale Shark, the Swell Shark, the Shortfin Mako shark, and the Thresher Shark!
(Watercolor)
The largest animal that has ever existed on this planet, the blue whale is one of earth's greatest treasures. It can reach lengths of 110 feet and weigh over 300,000 lbs, it has a heart the size of a small car and a tongue the size of an African Elephant, yet survives on a planktonic diet of some of the smallest creatures alive!
(Acrylic)
Fin whales are one of the most beautiful species, with a swirling white pattern along their backs. They are the second largest species on the planet, only to blue whales, and reaching lengths of up to 90 feet.
(Acrylic)
One of the farthest migrating mammals alive, the gray whale is a treat to watch for in the early months of the year as they migrate between Baja, CA and Alaska.
(Acrylic)
Humpback whales are also called Long Winged New Englanders due to their unusually long pectoral fins, and are a favorite among whale watchers as they are often seen breaching their entire bodies out of the water- a behavior that takes an enormous amount of energy!
(Acrylic)
As the largest species in the dolphin family, this toothed whale is known for its intelligence, its social behaviors, and its status as an apex predator in the ocean. I find it to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures in our watery world.
(Acrylic)
A little imagination alongside science is always fun
(Graphite)
The GPO is an amazingly intelligent, strong, and agile creature, found along in the temperate waters of the Pacific Ocean. They are the largest and longest living of all octopus species, growing up to 16 feet (or more)! All octopus species are a treat to spot for divers, snorkelers, and tidepoolers alike.
(Watercolor)
Searching tide pools along the Pacific Coast will always be one of my favorite activities. This scene is representative of a sample of creatures you may find in the tide pools surrounding the Monterey Bay, including ochre sea stars, striped shore crabs, green anemones, blue mussels, and turban snails.
(Watercolor)
The Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana), first described in Monterey, CA, is a beautiful and uniquely structured flower. This dissection gives a unique view as to the flower's anatomy and symmetry without having to dissect one yourself!
(Acrylic)
The state flower of California, you find these brightly colored flowers all over the California coastline.
(Watercolor)
(Watercolor)
Living in Pacific Grove, CA, my portfolio would not be complete with out a few monarch butterfly illustrations, as Pacific Grove is also known as Butterflytown USA. We are a known stop on the incredible migration of the monarch butterflies, and in the wintertime our eucalyptus and Monterey cypress groves are filled with these winged travelers.
(Watercolor)
(Acrylic)
As a marine scientist, I am clearly partial to marine subjects in my work. However, owls are such animated and fascinating animals (and a favorite of my family). I wanted to try a series that captured several of their expressions and had far too much fun with this one.
(Scratchboard)
This is one of my favorite birds to watch for along the water. It is so graceful and regal, and they have a wingspan of up to six feet long!
(Scratchboard)
A digital rendering hinting at the vast biodiversity the kelp forest offers.
(Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
A piece commissioned by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research institute to educate the general public about how climate change is impacting the ocean.
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
An infographic commissioned by MBARI to illustrate the various pieces of equipment and research techniques utilized there to have maximum impact on the scientific community and our understanding of the marine environment.
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
An interpretive panel commissioned by the California State Parks Department that is currently stationed along a beach walk in Cambria, California.
A technical digital illustration of a SCUBA regulator.
(Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
I love sitting along the waterfront in Monterey and watching for the whales that frequently pass through. Use these key characteristics and see which ones you can identify!
(Acrylic and Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
Compare these common caudal fin shapes and the ecosystems they are adapted for.
(Acrylic and Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
An infographic about what it takes to collect a concentrated plankton sample and why it is important.
(Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
Hundreds of men and women have journeyed to outer space, however only 3 have ever been to the deepest part of our oceans. Here is a few details about those two missions and the vessels that carried them.
(Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
The CA Sea Hare inks vibrant pink as a chemical defense mechanism, and it gets its color from the red algae, Plocamium, which makes up most of its diet
(Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
In between swims and snorkels, a good cup of coffee is just what I crave. A fun comparison of these common brew methods might help you decide which kind you're craving!
(Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
A cover illustration idea for an article discussing the increasing frequency of jellyfish blooms, and how they are affecting open system salmon farms.
(Adobe Photoshop and InDesign)
Digital design for the kelp forest spirit in all of us. Designed for stickers and patches.
(Adobe Photoshop)
