May 31, 2015

Google Logo Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm

Brachiosaurs at Dusk

Paleoartists like Stevie Moore are not only enabling us to see dinosaurs anatomically correctly; they are also giving us magnificent visions of these animals living within the full beauty of nature.

By Glendon Mellow

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

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

Paleoartists like muralist-illustrator Stevie Moore are not only enabling us to see dinosaurs anatomically correctly; they are also giving us magnificent visions of these animals living within the full beauty of nature.

I don't know if I will ever tire of seeing dinosaurs and other extinct animals in the full variety of lighting that the sky has to offer. Often, dinosaurs are shown in full sun, perhaps in a sky with heroically white clouds. Here, Moore captures the light of a late evening in the summer. 

For me, the bold orange sky and brilliant water evoke the beginning of campfire conversations, the relief from oppressive daytime heat and the descent of mosquitoes. The brachiosaurs, marching in tandem out of a cool swim or perhaps just getting their feet wet are not only placed in Moore's composition, we can feel them living in it. 

Moore is working on a personal project to bring the Morrison Formation to illustrated life, because of his love for the Rockies, the west and sauropods.

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.

You may also enjoy:

Look Into the Eyes: Paleoart by Stevie Mooreon Symbiartic 

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe