Illustrations

These are some of my illustrations and artwork. If you are interested in any of these pieces, please contact me directly.

Striped pyjama squid

Watercolour on paper, by Nicola Temple
Watercolour on paper, by Nicola Temple

This is the very sweet striped pyjama squid (Sepioloidea lineolata). It occurs off eastern, southern and western Australia. Despite its name, this is actually a cuttlefish. It is often found sitting in shallow water on a mud or sand substrate, with its arms tucked under, giving it a rather rounded appearance. This has earned it the nickname of ‘striped dumpling squid’ among some! Despite its sweet appearance, this little fellow is one of only two known poisonous cuttlefish species – the other being the flamboyant cuttlefish.

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish
Cuttlefish, watercolour on paper, by Nicola Temple.

This is the giant Australian cuttlefish (Sepia apama) – the world’s largest cuttlefish species. I painted this piece while our family was living in Brisbane and I had the privilege of seeing one of these beautiful animals while on a dive. Watercolour on paper (A4). Limited edition signed prints available.

Cod Tomorrow

Beautifully drawn cod, in profile
Atlantic Cod, ink on paper, by Nicola Temple

‘Cod Tomorrow’ was drawn to head the chapter on fish fraud titled  ‘Hake today, cod tomorrow’, for Sorting the Beef from the Bull.  It’s an Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) drawn in ink on paper. The original illustrated fish has a total length of 19cm whereas in real life, this species reaches lengths of 2m.