ValKellsNaturePrints

I am a highly trained Marine Science Illustrator with over 35 years of professional experience. I graduated in 1986 from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in Science Communication and Scientific Illustration. I've been illustrating marine life ever since.

My work has appeared in over 30 public aquariums, museums, and nature centers in the United States and abroad. My illustrations have also been published in numerous books, periodicals, folding guides, and on note cards, posters, and in apps.

I work closely with scientists, curators, and researchers to ensure accuracy of color and morphology. To date, I've created over 2,000 illustrations of aquatic life, including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates.

My recent publications include:
• "A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes: from Maine to Texas"
• "A Field Guide to Fishes of the Chesapeake Bay"
• "A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes: from Alaska to California"
• "Tunas and Billfishes of the World"
• "Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Virginia"

My clients have included:
• Johns Hopkins University Press
• The Nature Conservancy
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• University of California Press
• North Carolina Aquariums
• Texas State, New Jersey State aquariums

I am currently illustrating, writing, and designing "A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes: Bermuda, Bahamas, and Caribbean Sea." This book will be published by JHUP.

Many family, friends, and associates encouraged me to sell Giclee prints and high-quality posters of my illustrations. So, in December, 2019, I began formatting a curated collection of prints for sale in this shop.

Because I'm a perfectionist to a fault, I was very careful in choosing my Giclee printer. I sampled many test prints, and chose to partner with American Art Creations. Their Giclee process ensures each print is identical to the original. Each Giclee is printed with archival inks on museum-quality 100% cotton Epsom Somerset Velvet 225 gsm. The Epsom print paper matches the texture of the original Arches 300 lb. hotpress paper. Colors are exacting.

Prints are shipped to me for inspection. I then sign and package with a Certificate of Authenticity. Prints are then delivered to customers.

My art posters include my original illustrations and designs. Each is printed on 10.3 mil thick paper, with a weight of 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²), using Giclée printing quality, and opacity of 94% and an ISO brightness of 104%. Posters produced and shipped directly from Printful, a trusted parter that has fulfilled over 2.2M orders.

I'm very proud of the quality and accuracy of these Giclee prints and art posters, and I sincerely hope customers enjoy their favorites as much as I enjoyed creating them.

Live, Love, Fish!
Cheers, Val