Hendrik Gheerardyn was born in Bruges, Belgium. Since childhood, he has been passionate about nature and always liked drawing and painting. After his biology studies, he earned a Ph.D. in Sciences (Ghent University) and researched the taxonomy and ecology of a group of small marine crustaceans (namely copepods) for more than eight years. A major part of his work consisted of describing and drawing new copepod species, and these were published in international scientific journals (such as Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal of Natural History and Journal of Crustacean Biology). Through these microscopic investigations, he further developed his great sense for detail.
Next to his career as a biologist, he never lost his interest in the visual arts. During more than 15 years, he took various art courses (such as Painting and Graphic design and illustration) and studied part-time at the City Academy of Fine Arts in Bruges, St-Lucas Arts Academy in Ghent and The Florence Academy of Art.
As a freelance illustrator and infographic designer, he combines his background in scientific research with excellent drawing skills to produce clear and accurate illustrations. As a zoologist, he mainly illustrates animal subjects, but also has a strong interest in botanical, geographical and general science topics. His work is characterised by scientific accuracy, clarity and fine details, using different styles and media.
CLIENTS INCLUDE
- Book publishers: Academia Press Wetenschappelijke Uitgeverij, Noordhoff Uitgevers, Scandinavian Fishing Year Book, Uitgeverij De Fontein, Uitgeverij Plantyn
- Magazines: National Geographic, Buitenleven, GEO Wissen, MUSE, Wapiti, World of Animals
- Province of Antwerp, Province of West-Flanders
- Research institutions: Ghent University, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Senckenberg
- NGOs: Medics Without Vacation, Stichting De Noordzee, Stichting Duik de Noordzee Schoon
SELECT PUBLICATIONS
LINKS
EXHIBITIONS
- Festival international d’Arts Nature Coeur de France (Château d’Ainay le Vieil, France, 12-14 June 2015), with support from the Flemish Community
Hendrik Gheerardyn 
Hi Hendrik, amazing artwork and a well-designed website.
Thanks Nikos!
Dear Hendrik, I just found your homepage and I am thrilled by all the different techniques you are using so perfectly. Your Copepod drawings are of the best in the field and your artwork is really beautiful!!! All the best, Gritta
Thanks a lot Gritta!
Beste Hendrik, jij hebt goud in je handen.Met zo’n talent zul je niet voor werk verveeld zitten…
Bedankt Harry!
Heel mooie illustraties, zowel op wetenschappelijk als op artistiek vlak.
Beste Hendrik, toen ik je eerste tekening zag wist ik het al, wij gaan je proberen breed in te zetten omdat jij beelden kan maken die onze beste foto- en filmbeelden te boven gaan. Ik hoop op een succesvolle samenwerking om onze Noordzee wat beter onder de aandacht van het grote publiek te brengen. Ben Stiefelhagen Get Wet Maritiem
Bedankt Ben! Ik ben blij met jullie te kunnen samenwerken, en zo bij te dragen aan de doelstellingen van Stichting Duik de Noordzee Schoon!