Concept
This project is part of a collaborative initiative between the scientific illustration school Illustraciencia and the National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN) in Madrid. A group of illustrators was invited to visually represent species affected by climate change using traditional illustration techniques such as graphite, ink, and watercolor. The aim was to raise awareness of biodiversity loss and environmental impact through art and science.
Objective
The goal was to illustrate the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), a species perfectly adapted to extreme cold but increasingly threatened by rising temperatures and habitat changes in the Arctic. Through a detailed scientific illustration, the project seeks to spotlight how climate change is altering the delicate balance of polar ecosystems.
My Role
I was responsible for researching and illustrating the Arctic fox using traditional techniques. I created a scientific species sheet that communicates both biological accuracy and artistic sensitivity. The project was developed in collaboration with scientists and other illustrators under the guidance of Illustraciencia.
Process
After studying the biology, anatomy, and behavior of the Arctic fox, I began sketching initial compositions in pencil, focusing on posture, proportions, and fur texture. I also created a highly detailed illustration of the fox’s skull to better understand its structure and morphology. Although this drawing was ultimately not included in the final artwork, it played a key role in deepening my anatomical knowledge and refining the accuracy of the main illustration.
The final piece was rendered using graphite and watercolor, aiming to capture the delicate balance between scientific accuracy and expressive detail. One of the most fascinating aspects of this species is its seasonal transformation: the Arctic fox has a thick white coat in winter that blends into snowy landscapes, and a darker, thinner coat in summer that helps it camouflage among rocks and tundra vegetation.
Deliverables
The result is a high-resolution animal sheet, part of a broader collection featuring other climate-affected species. Each piece in the collection highlights a different animal, with mine focusing on the Arctic fox. The illustrations were displayed in both digital and print formats as part of an educational exhibit.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Clara Cerviño, Hugo Salais, and Miquel Baidal for initiating and coordinating this collaboration between scientists and visual communicators.
