1-2 June 2024 - PAINTING CRUSTACEANS WITH ACRYLICS, with Dr Lindsay Marshall

Join this workshop to explore the fascinating world of crustacean illustration with acrylics under the expert guidance of Dr. Lindsay Marshall.

• Dates: 1-2 June 2024 (two days)
• Days: Saturday and Sunday, 9.30am - 4.30pm
• Venue: NatureArt Lab Studio, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

About the workshop: 

In this hands-on workshop, Dr. Lindsay Marshall will guide participants through the art and science of crustacean illustration using acrylic paints on watercolour paper. As a world-renowned fisheries biologist and natural history artist, Lindsay brings a unique perspective to this workshop, merging scientific accuracy with artistic expression.

The workshop will begin with an overview of the main morphological features of crustaceans, providing participants with a foundation for their illustrations. Lindsay will demonstrate various painting techniques, explaining the nuances in capturing the intricate details of crustaceans through art. Crustacean drawing subjects will be sourced from the local fish market.

Participants will learn how to create an initial sketch of their chosen crustacean, understanding the key elements to include in their composition. Lindsay will then guide them in transferring their sketches onto watercolour paper, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and attention to detail. There will also be an option to use pre-made sketch templates in order to focus most of your time on learning the painting techniques.

This workshop encourages participants to unleash their creativity while staying true to the scientific essence of crustacean illustration. Students will have dedicated time to work on their pieces, with Lindsay providing personalized feedback.

Workshop Learning Outcomes: 

• Learn about crustacean taxonomy and how to identify using identification guides and taxonomic keys
• Create an accurate sketch of a crustacean from observation of a subject
• Use masking fluid to create realistic and taxonomically accurate skin patterns as their base layer
• Use acrylic paints and medium to create upper layers and detail to represent the morphological elements
• Create an A4 (210 × 297mm) picture of a crustacean in natural history illustration style

Experience / Prerequisites: Suitable for beginners and all interested artists aged 16 and above.

Materials: A materials list will be available prior to the class; supplementary materials (including watercolour paper, acrylic mediums, masking fluid and fixatives) will be supplied by the tutor for an extra $35.00 payable at the class). Students are requested to bring their own lunch and other snacks for the workshop duration.

About the tutor: 

Dr. Lindsay Marshall, a distinguished fisheries biologist and natural history artist, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the workshop. With a PhD focused on shark fin morphology and a lifetime achievement award from the Australian Society for Fish Biology, Dr. Marshall is not only a seasoned scientist but also the first person in the last century to illustrate an entire vertebrate group.

From painting every living species of shark and ray for the Tree of Life Project to having a hornshark named after her, Dr. Marshall's dedication to fish taxonomy and species identification is unparalleled. She currently works from her studio in Peregian Beach, Queensland, striving to inspire awe for the natural world through her art. 

NatureArt Lab Awards

• 2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT
• 2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT

Image: Crustaceans by Dr. Lindsay Marshall