Joan Thomson

medical illustration of Common Milkweed, Aesclepias syriaca, Monarch butterfly, seed pod This painting in transparent watercolor on Arches paper features the Common Milkweed blossom, the adult Monarch butterfly with its highly patterned wings, and a seed pod with escaping seeds. The painting was commissioned by the Town of Enfield, NH. Common Milkweed is Enfield's town flower. The Monarch butterfly is in decline. Transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Orchid, Twayblade, carpeting, seep, rare, summer, mountainous, pale green flower, terrestrial Description: A painting in transparent watercolor on Arches paper of one of the more rare terrestrial orchids of New Hampshire. It was found in a seep near a trail in a mountainous site, carpeting a wide area. It blooms most notably in July. This painting is part of a series of paintings by the artist in a collection of depictions of the approximately 46 terrestrial orchids of New Hampshire.
medical illustration of Seasonal, blooming, brilliant, Christmas, cactus, flower Description: A painting in transparent watercolor on Arches paper to be used on a greeting card for the Christmas holiday. This brilliantly blooming cactus, which thrives as an indoor plant in the Northeast, usually blooms once a year, but the season varies. It has been known to bloom as early as Thanksgiving and as late as Valentine's Day.
medical illustration of Calypso, slipper orchid, habit, blossom, fairy slipper This illustration is a rendering of Calypso bulbosa, one of the slipper orchids, rare in New England, in gouache (opaque watercolor) on Alphamat. It would be suitable for a field guide, for a trail guide including rare plants or other nature education purposes. It will be used on notecards. In the tradition of botanical illustration, the painting includes a depiction of the plant's habit as well as a close up of the blossom.
medical illustration of Bog orchid, seep, woodland, white, blossoms Here is an illustration of Platanthera dilatata, the White Northern Bog Orchid, a spire of sparkling white blossoms enhancing a woodland seep ecosystem in summer. The painting was done in gouache on a tan Alphamat background. It would be suitable for a trail guide or field guide of native plants or orchids. It will also be used for notecards with a floral theme.
medical illustration of orchid, native plant, New England, botanical, habit, flower, field guide, trail guide This painting of a tiny orchid native to North America and rare in New England is rendered in gouache on Alphamat in the traditional composite style of botanical illustrations showing a small version of the plant in its habit (how it grows) and a close up of the flower parts. Suitable for a field guide on orchids or for trail guides showing native plants, it will be used in a notecard series.
medical illustration of Bottle Gentian, perennial, leafy herb, trumpet-shaped flower, Gentianaceae family, roadside ditches, Gentiana clausa This illustration of Gentiana clausa, (Closed Gentian or Bottle Gentian), shows the deep blue flowering plant in all its glory. Blooming in the Northeast in early September, it prefers slightly dampish areas like roadside ditches. The illustration was completed in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Fringed gentian, native wildflower, blue violet, rare, grassy hillsides, riverbanks Gentiana crinita is a more rare Gentian that blooms in a variety of environments, from riverbanks to grassy hillsides. The distinctive fringing of the petals distinguishes it from the other Gentians. The illustration was completed in transparent watercolor on Arches paper. It is suitable for a field guide or environmental education materials.
medical illustration of warbler, deciduous forests, Appalachains, black-throated, blue, sugar maple, foraging, insect, souithern This pair of Black-throated blue warblers is shown foraging for insect food on the undersides of the leaves of the sugar maple. Found in the deciduous forests of the Appalachains in northern New England and the northern Atlantic states, its range extends into into the southern Appalachains. The illustration was completed in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Cedar Waxwing, Winterberry, Bombycilla cedrorum This pair of Cedar Waxwings is shown feeding on the berries of the Winterberry shrub, a type of holly common in the Northeast, especially Northern New England. The bronze plumage of the Cedar Waxwing, shining as golden, contrasts dramatically with the dark blue tail and wing feathers and the black mask, to present a most handsome creature! completed in transparent watercolor on Arches paper for a notecard.
medical illustration of Depuytren contracture, hand, locked position, knot of tissue, exercise, underlying structures This illustration shows the
medical illustration of snowy, owl, visitor, predator, Northern, North America, Nyctea scandiaca, tundra, range The Snowy Owl,, a large and mostly white owl with yellow eyes and brown bars, lives in open tundra in North America. In recent years it has been seen as a visitor outside of its usual range in winter. The female tends to have more of the brown bars on its feathers while the male is often nearly all white. The painting was completed for a private client on Arches paper with transparent watercolors.
medical illustration of Striped Bass, fish, subtle coloring This painting of a striped bass shows the fish in its very subtle color variations. It was painted for a fisherman friend, framed, and placed in a room that became
medical illustration of Apiosporina morbosa, fungus. cherry, plu,m, date, trees, sapling, Black Cherry, caterpillar-like Apiosporina morbosa is a parasitic fungus that grows on live cherry, plum and date trees. It is often seen on saplings of Black Cherry and may be seen year-round. Its caterpillar-like appearance betrays its true habits. This painting was executed in transparent watercolor on Arches paper and was used in a project for a private client.
medical illustration of Belted Kingfisher, pond, ,reddish band, Cardinal flower, fishing, bird, blooms This portrait of a Kingfisher pair shows them in a typical pond environment. The female in the foreground is shown with her reddish band across the breast while the male, fishing in the background does not have the colorful band. Cardinal flower blooms in the foreground. The painting was completed with transparent watercolors on Arches paper..
medical illustration of Boletus pallidus, edible, mushroom, resistance, pale colors, insects Boletus pallidus is an edible mushroom with good resistance to insects. It was first described by Charles Christopher Frost in 1874. The mushroom was painted in its typical pale colors in transparent watercolors on Arches paper and used for a project by a private client.
medical illustration of Boletus chrysenteron, bolete, pink tinge, brusing blue, mushroom Boletus chrysenteron is a rather small bolete with a pinkish tinge and a brownish cap. As shown in the illustration it stains blue when bruised making it one of the more colorful mushrooms..The illustration was executed in transparent watercolors on Arches paper for a project with a private client.
medical illustration of Cerrena unicolor, shelf, mushroom, green, algae, spores, horntail wasp, parasitic, ichneumon wasp, wood-boring Cerrena unicolor is a shelf mushroom resembling the Turkeytail mushroom, but distinctive in its often green or greenish color due to algae. Spread of its spores is aided by the wood-boring horntail wasp and the parasitic ichneumon wasp. This painting was completed in transparent watercolor and used for a project by a private client.
medical illustration of Mourning Dove, Rock Dove, winter, pair, Valentine, evergreen, Zenaida macroura This illustration shows a pair of Mourning Doves on a branch of evergreen in winter. The Mourning Dove is a descendant of the Rock Dove. The painting was inspired by Valentine's Day and might be used for a valentine greeting card. Painted with transparent watercolors on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Fomitopsis cajanderi, shelf, mushroom, rosy, Artist's Conk Fomitopsis cajanderi is a common shelf mushroom with rosey tones in its upper surface. The whitish underside is easily marked and often appears with writing on it, such as initials and is sometimes known as the Artist's Conk. The illustration was painted with transparent watercolors on Arches paper for a private client.
medical illustration of Rose Breasted Grosbeak, perched, Hobblebush, nesting, blooming This painting shows a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks perched on branches of Hobblebush in spring when it is blooming. The colorful plumage of the male contrasts with the dull browns of the female, protective for her and enabling her to hide in the trees while nesting. The painting was completed in transparent watercolors on Arches paper and used for a note card series.
medical illustration of Isotria medioloides, orchid, composite, white, yellow, habit, radial leaves Isotria medioloides is a rare, low growing orchid. Shown here is the plant in its habit and details of the root structure and the white and yellow flower. The plant is characterized by five broad leaves arranged radially and the blossoms arising from the center. It was painted with transparent watercolors on Arches paper and could be used for a field guide on native plants or orchids.
medical illustration of Plantanthera huronensis, bog orchid, yellowish green, flowers, alternate leaves, basal, vigor Platanthera huronensis is a small unobtrusive bog orchid found in wet areas. Its yellowish green flowers are arranged in a spiral arrangement around its stem while alternate sword-shaped leave extend down the basal portion of the stem. The painting was completed with transparent watercolors on Arches paper for addition to a collection of orchid paintings.
medical illustration of Common Redpoll, plumage, red patch, winter visitor, Red Osier dogwood, alder, birch Common Redpolls, shown here in paler winter plumage, range throughout the Northeast and Canada and often arrive as visitors in large flocks. They prefer brushy, weedy areas and catkin-bearing trees like alder and birch. The red patch on the head is a good identifier. They are show here with branches of Red Osier dogwood. This scene was painted with transparent watercolors and white gouache on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Ryoporus badius, polypore, decompose, hardwood, decaying Royoporus badius, also known as Polyporus badius, is among the more colorful polypores to be found on decaying hardwood logs, helping to decompose the wood. Very tiny pores are shown in the detail of the underside of the cutting. This fungus is found across the North American continent in spring and fall in the cooler latitudes. Transparent watercolors on Arches paper for a project with a private client.
medical illustration of Stereum hirsutum, shelf mushroom, reddish orange, brown, Turkeytail, laterally Stereum hirsutum is included in a group of shelf mushrooms that tend to grow together laterally. It manifests in a wide range of colors and is shown here in reddish orange and brown tones. Its striped patterns are reminiscent of the Turkeytail mushroom. This grouping was painted with transparent watercolors on Arches paper and used for a project with a private client.
medical illustration of Suillus punctipes, bolete, mushroom, convex, yellow cap, white pine, range Suillus punctipes is a common bolete mushroom with a very convex, yellow cap and brownish dots clumping together on the stalk. It grows in association with white pine and hence, occurs in the range of that tree. It is shown here in three different aspects and was painted for a project with a private client with transparent watercolors on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Suillius grevillei, larch, sticky cap, yellow ring Suillius grevillei is a European species of mushroom which occurs also in North America in association with larch trees. Its is shown here with its sticky cap reddish brown. It has a distinctive yellow ring around its stem, and as with other Suillius species, is adorned with reddish brown dots and striping along is stalk. It was painted in transparent watercolors on Arches paper for a project with a private client.
medical illustration of Helvella macropus, mushroom, cap, stem, spindle-shaped spores, ribbed, variations Helvella macropus is one of a number of mushrooms with cup-shaped or disc-shaped to flat caps and skinny stems that are not prominently ribbed. They uniquely have spindle-shaped spores. This illustration of three examples shows the cap in three variations. It was painted with transparent watercolors on Arches paper for a project with a private client.
medical illustration of Bisporella citrina, fungi, log, lemon drop, clumped, cup-shaped Bisporella citrina fungi (mushrooms) growing on a log. These little cup shaped organisms glow on their dark background like bits of lemon drops clumped on the wood. Completed contract for private client. The illustration is also suitable for other environmental education materials. Rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Boletus subvelutipes, mushroom, sporocarp This Boletus subvelutipes mushroom illustration showing sporocarp and pore surface, is suitable for various science education materials including trail guides. It shows how colorful the mushroom world can be with the skinned back stalk of the mushroom a virtual rainbow and the cap staining blue. Contract completed for private client. Rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Golden Chanterelle, sporocarp Here is the Cantharellus cibarius (Golden Chanterelle) mushroom illustration showing sporocarps and associated tree branches. It was used for a notecard design but is suitable also for books, trail guides or other educational materials. This Chanterelle is a common edible, so the illustration could be used in a cookbook. Rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Chlorociboria aeruginascens, blue-green, fungi, log This illustration shows the striking blue-green Chlorociboria aeruginascens fungi (mushrooms) growing on a log. It would be is suitable for trail guides, books, and other science education materials. Contract completed for private client. The painting is rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Clavulina coralloides, coral fungus, pastel, purple Here is an illustration of the Clavulina coralloides, a coral fungus in pale pastel shades of purple. It would be, suitable for a trail guide or other science educational materials. Contract completed for private client. The painting is rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Fomes fomentarius, shelf mushroom, hat, sporocarp This is an illustration of the Fomes fomentarius shelf mushroom reminiscent of a fancy hat. It shows the sporocarp as well as the pore surface. It would be suitable for a book, articles or other science education materials. Contract completed for private client. The painting was rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Ganoderma lucidum, shelf fungus, sporocarps, pore, glossy, vivid This illustration of the Ganoderma lucidum shelf fungus (mushroom) illustration shows sporocarps and pore surface detail. It features the glossy look of the surface of the sporocarp in vivid colors. It would be suitable for trail guides, articles, books, and other science education materials. Contract completed for private client. The illustration is rendered in transparent watercolor.
medical illustration of Ganoderma tsugae, shelf mushroom Here is the Ganoderma tsugae shelf mushroom growing on a tree. The illustration was used for notecard design but also is suitable for books, articles, trail guides or other science education materials. It was rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Laetoporus sulphureus, shelf, Sulfur Shelf, log This illustration shows the Laetoporus sulphureus shelf mushroom, often called a Sulfur Shelf, growing on a log. The Illustration was used for a notecard design but is also suitable for books, articles, trail guides or other science education materials. This fungus is another common edible, so the illustration could be used in a cookbook. It is rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Leccinum insigne, shaggy stalk, porous, cap This illustration shows the Leccinum insigne mushroom with dried leaves and moss, a shaggy stalk and porous undersurface of the cap. The illustration was used for a notecard design but is also suitable for books and articles as well as other science education materials. It is rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Ramaria formosa, coral, mushroom Here is an illustration of the Ramaria formosa coral mushroom showing two stages of development. The illustration is suitable for various science education materials including books, articles and nature trail guides. A contract was completed for a private client. The illustration was rendered in pastel shades of transparent watercolors on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Morchella elata, Black Morel, mushroom, White Pine This illustration of the Morchella elata (Black Morel) mushroom is shown with a branch of White Pine, a tree it often grows near. The illustration was used for a notecard design but is also suitable for books, articles, trail guides and other science education materials. It is rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Russela lutea, mushroom, leaf litter, yellow Here is an illustration of the Russela lutea mushroom with dried leaves, its sunny yellow color shining like a light in the dark leaf litter. The illustration was used for a notecard design but is also suitable for books, articles, trail guides and other scientific education material, as well as possibly a children's book. It is rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Trametes versicolor, Turkey Tail, shelf mushroom, log Here is the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) shelf mushroom growing on a log. The mushroom is known for its curative properties. The illustration was used for a notecard design but is also suitable for books, articles, trail guides and other science education materials. It was rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Trichaptum biforme, shelf mushroom, pore Here is the Trichaptum biforme shelf mushroom illustration showing two stages of growth and pore surfaces. This illustration would be suitable for environmental science materials such as books, articles, and trail guides. Contract completed for private client. Rendered in pastel colors with transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Pinellus serotinus, shelf mushroom This is an illustration of Pinellus serotinus shelf mushroom growing on a tree. The illustration was used for notecard design but is also suitable for book or environmental education materials. It was rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Amanita virosa, mushroom, deadly poison, veil Here is the Amanita virosa (Destroying Angel) mushroom illustration. It's a very poisonous mushroom with a veil. It would be suitable for books such as field guides, articles, trail guides or other environmental education materials or purposes. It is rendered in opaque watercolor (gouache) on colored Alphamat.
medical illustration of Here is an illustration of the Clitocybe nuda (Blewit) mushroom in its mature stage with branches of blackberry, its favorite companion. The llustration was used for a notecard design and also suitable for book or environmental education materials. It is rendered in transparent watercolor.
medical illustration of Acer rubrum, Red Maple, seed pods, fall Here you see a tree branch of Acer rubrum (Red Maple) with seed pods in its fall aspect. The illustration was used for notecards contracted by and was sold at a country store on the occasion of a bridge opening in foliage season. It would be suitable for books, such as field guides, articles in trade magazines, field guides, and other environmental education materials . It is rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Brodiaea laxa, flower, California, native plant This is the Brodiaea laxa flower illustration used to illustrate a regular article in the Journal of the California Native Plant Society entitled
medical illustration of Betula alleghaniensis, Yellow Birch, branch, leaves, cones, fall This is a Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow Birch) tree branch illustration showing leaves and cones (fall aspect). Used for notecard design contracted by and sold at a country store on the occasion of a bridge opening but also suitable for books such as field guides, or environmental materials. Rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper
medical illustration of Crocus sativus, purple crocus,flower, saffron Here is a painting of the Crocus sativus (Purple Crocus) flower in different stages of flowering. This plant is well known for its use as a source of saffron. The illustration shows the complete plant with bulbs and roots. The study was completed in a class on botanical watercolor illustration but is suitable for trade magazines, illustrations on bulb packages, and in gardening books. It is painted in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Cypripedium parviflorum, Yellow Lady's Slipper, orchid Here is a flower illustration of Cypripedium parviflorum (Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchid). It was used for a notecard design but is also suitable for book illustrations such as field guides, illustrations for articles on botany, or for environmental education materials such as trail guides and brochures. The painting was rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Here is a flower illustration of Cypripedium reginae (Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid) found in bogs of the northeastern US in June. It was used as a notecard design and also suitable as a book illustration, such as a field guide, for botanical or scientific articles, and for environmental education purposes such as trail guides and brochures.. The illustration is painted in opaque watercolor (gouache) on colored Alphamat.
medical illustration of Galearis spectabilis, Showy Orchis, woodland, orchid, white and purple Galearis spectabilis (Showy Orchis) is one of the true gems of the Northeastern woodland scene. This illustration of the flower in its white and purple form was used as a notecard design. it would also be suitable as a book illustration, such as environmental education materials such as field guides and brochures. It is rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Arethusa bulbosa, Dragon's Mouth Orchid, pink Here is an illustration of the Arethusa bulbosa (Dragon's Mouth Orchid) flower with grasses. It is shown with its brilliant pink blossoms in full flower in its typical bog habitat. It was used as a notecard design and is also suitable as a book illustration, such as in a field guide, for articles on botany, and for environmental education materials such as trail guides and brochures. Transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Platanthera grandiflora, Large Purple Fringed Orchis, roadside, sunny spot, woods This is an illustration of Platanthera grandiflora (Large Purple Fringed Orchis) among grasses, a memorable surprise on a roadside or sunny spot in the woods. The painting was used as a notecard design and is also suitable as a book illustration for a field guide, an illustration in a botanical article, or for trail guides and brochures. It is painted in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Malus domestica, Yellow Apple, fruit, dissection This composite illustration of the Malus domestica (Yellow Apple) tree with a fruiting branch and apple dissection was used for a postcard design. It could also be used as a book illustration, an illustration in a horticultural or trade magazine, as product labeling, and in tourist brochures or cooking articles. It is rendered in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of Lupinus perennis, Karner Blue butterfly, native Here is an illustration of the native Lupinus perennis, and Lycaeides Melissa samuelis (Karner blue butterfly), New Hampshire's endangered state butterfly, This illustration was used for a T-shirt design and is also useful as a book illustration, an illustration for a botanical article or for environmental education materials such as trail guides and brochures. It is painted in transparent watercolor on Arches paper.
medical illustration of freshwater, lake, fish, native This illustration of Freshwater Lake Fish shows a number of native fish, labeled and in their typical environment. It was created for the book
medical illustration of heart, position, pace maker, placement This is an illustration of heart position for placement of a pace maker for the Department of Cardiology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. It is a pen and ink line drawing on paper.
medical illustration of suturing, infant, skull, reconstruction, surgery This illustration shows the suturing of an infant skull in reconstruction surgery. It was completed for the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. The pen and ink drawing was done on paper.
medical illustration of kidney, renal artery, renal vein, ureter This illustration of the gross anatomy of the kidney and also shows the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter. It is suitable for textbook or patient education materials promoting wellness and normal urinary track functioning. The illustration is rendered in Photoshop.
medical illustration of venous sinuses, Bandl's ring, anatomy, skull, venous system, abnormality This illustration of the venous sinuses with Bandl's ring shows the anatomy of the skull with venous system in a skull abnormality. It was used for a journal article on skull repair by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. It is a colored pencil drawing on paper with acrylic paint on acetate overlay and could be used in professional medical education.
medical illustration of repair, intestinal, atresia, omentum, perforation This medical illustration shows the repair of Intestinal Atresia (repair of a perforation of the omentum). The illustration was used by the Department of General Surgery for patient and professional education materials. The pen and ink drawing was executed on paper.
medical illustration of lower leg, dissection, foot, ankle, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons This illustration shows leg dissection with the foot and ankle. It includes nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons of the lower leg. It was used by a plastic surgeon at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for a journal article. The watercolor painting was executed on illustration board.

Profile

BIOGRAPHY Joan Thomson A transplant from New York State, I always loved to draw and paint, and as a child would go into the woods and draw the wildflowers. I have lived in Japan, Kentucky, Louisiana and California, and now reside in New Hampshire. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Kentucky, I have sought to integrate my interests in art and education and pursued careers in both illustration and teaching. In California a fascination with medical art took hold of me, and this led to nineteen years as a medical illustrator at Dartmouth Medical School (now the Geisel School of Medicine) in Hanover, New Hampshire. I made New Hampshire my home and continued explorations of nature with volunteer work with the New England Wildflower Society, with hiking, cross-country skiing, gardening, travel, family activities, gardening, swimming and canoeing. I have been a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and benefitted from their classes and workshops. I am an active member of the Cardigan Mountain Art Association in my hometown of Canaan, NH. Always I have maintained connections with nature and the life sciences and seek to help others form those connections. In recent years I have returned to teaching with experiences such as teaching classes in drawing, both in high school and with adults, teaching classes in arts and crafts at a day camp, and most recently, by teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. With my English students, I teach English by way of my students’ interests, which often veer toward learning about the natural world.

Style/Techniques

Black & White, Color, Information Graphics, Line

Subject/Specialties

Anatomy, Biology, Biotechnology, Botany, Cardiac Surgery / Cardiology, Entomology, Gastroenterology, General Medicine, General Surgery, Genetics, Maternal / Child, Medical Devices, Natural History, Natural Science / Nature, Neurosurgery, Ornithology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, Reconstructive Surgery, Urology, Vascular Surgery, Veterinary Medicine, Zoology, Injuries, Health & Wellness, Pathology, Plastic Surgery