Tag: art

Fall Fungi Madness

September marks National Mushroom Month since many fungi start appearing this time of year. Whether you’re looking for mushrooms to eat, to use for making botanical dye, or just because you plain old appreciate them and find them fascinating, September is a great time to search for fungus. As the temperature drops and the late …

May Migratory Bird Art Challenge

This migratory bird art challenge was created by Jen Goodhue on instagram for artists to join in, learning about the incredible migrations that birds found all over the world undertake, as well as some of the challenges that these birds face. So many artists participate in these art challenges, and getting to see what other …

How Art & Nature Can Enhance Education

When we combine artistic mediums with environmental science topics, we can increase our knowledge about the natural world, and how we act as stewards of the ecosystems around us. WHY art is so beneficial to increasing our understanding, regardless of subject or topic? The Role of Art in Learning Styles Art, or something made via …

Feathruary 2023 Art Challenge

This past month I’ve been creating art as part of the #Feathruary2023 by @MischievousRedFox on Instagram. Illustrating birds is not only fun, and a great way for me to learn more about bird identifying characteristics, and sharing the finished piece is a good way to increase appreciation and respect for the bird world. Each piece …

Birdtober Art

Bald Eagle Birdtober mixed media art

Birdtober (#Birdtober2022) is an art challenge made by @AHolmesArtStudio on instagram to follow along, learn more about the great diversity of both birds and the art styles of people all around the world! While I went with the overall themes of the prompts, I didn’t draw the exact species, deciding to draw the same genus, …

2021 Year in review

2021 was an emotional rollercoaster. I switched from working at a nature center to having The Art of Ecology be my full time job! This is a dream come true, but I’ll be honest, running your own business is an emotional challenge. There were moments where I jumped up and down with excitement and moments …

Intertwine: Wild Art 2021

As part of the Wild Art 2021 February Challenge, put on by Zoe Keller, I illustrated two pieces focusing on the theme, “Intertwine”. It’s always exciting to see how other artists interpret the challenge and create art. Some artists focused on the twisty nature of snakes, and others focused on octopus arms. Each month, I …

2020 Year in review

Despite the utter insanity that 2020 was, The Art of Ecology saw some wonderful growth and I had some amazing opportunities! Overall, I adapted and figured out some unique ways to keep you all engaged. I (just over) DOUBLED my reach from 2019! In the late spring, I started working on writing and illustrating a …

Explore the Gallery: Scientific & Botanical Illustrations

Marissa Jacobs, of The Art of Ecology, is primarily known as a nature and ecological photographer, however she also leads Botanical Illustration Workshops, teaches Scientific Illustration, and is also a freelance illustrator for environmental education groups. A portion of the proceeds from any illustration work sold benefits wildlife conservation and habitat preservation efforts. More information …

Sustainable Crafts: Part I

Are you going stir-crazy and desparate to find something to do? Below is a list of some of my favorite DIY ideas to inspire you! These are all projects that in some way benefit the environment, either by creating valuable habitat for wildlife or by reducing your own Carbon Footprint! DIY Projects to Benefit Backyard …