Skip to main content

Skeletal Drawing Has Never Looked So Good

Dinosaur fossil mounts can be breathtaking in their grandeur. It’s rare that illustrations of the fossils can have that affect. Scott Hartman has been illustrating dinosaur fossil skeletons for years, and is one of the clearest, most detail-oriented illustrators we are lucky to have describe our favourite, dynamic, prehistoric beasties.

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


Dinosaur fossil mounts can be breathtaking in their grandeur. It's rare that illustrations of the fossils can have that affect.

Scott Hartman has been illustrating dinosaur fossil skeletons for years, and is one of the clearest, most detail-oriented illustrators we are lucky to have describe our favourite, dynamic, prehistoric beasties. And now with his revamped website, it's like stepping into a museum and wanting to run from exhibit to exhibit, just to see what's next, and how it's being displayed.

 


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


Hartman's Skeletal Drawing website is how nature and science illustrators should set-up a website. From the social media footer icons, to the eye popping gigantic images, to the crisp clean layout. What a treat.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention one of my 2 year old son's favourite books. When searching for a dinosaur book, my condition for purchase was to find one with feathered theropods. Happy to say after finding Hartman's ABC Dinosaurs (and realizing who the illustrator was while I waited in the Toys R Us checkout line) this book has entered our nightly reading rotation before bed.

_________________________________________

On September 8 last year, we featured the work of Brian Lindahl and his fantastic Frog Mech.

On September 9 last year, we showed some fine art history, with a pterosaur by Max Klinger who's anatomy would likely make Scott Hartman laugh and cry.