Art Through the Lens of Science
Wildlife drawings in graphite and colored pencil by biologist and artist Michael E. Dorcas, Ph.D., informed by decades of scientific field research.
Nature Rendered with Precision
Tantilla Art features hand-drawn wildlife and natural-history artwork by Michael E. Dorcas, Ph.D., a biologist, conservation scientist, and artist. His graphite and colored pencil drawings reflect decades of field research and close observation, capturing the anatomy, texture, behavior, and presence of animals.
Michael also explores western subjects inspired by animals, landscape, and tradition. Many drawings are accompanied by stories connecting the artwork with personal encounters and the natural history of its subject. Together, the drawings and stories invite viewers to slow down, look closely, and discover something new about familiar and unfamiliar animals.
Artist Member, Artists for Conservation
Michael E. Dorcas is an Artist Member of Artists for Conservation, reflecting the close connection between his wildlife art and his lifelong work in conservation science.
Recent Recognition
Graphic Merit Award
Academic Artists Association
Ambush · 2026
Sketch for Survival 100
Selected finalist
Stealth · 2026
2026 Almenara Art Prize
Three works selected
Survivor · 2026
Animation by Laura Gibbons (Blue Salamander Solutions LLC), based on Ocean Masters, an original hand-drawn artwork by Michael E. Dorcas. AI tools were used only to animate the completed drawing.
Availability
Selected works are being prepared for future release as originals, signed limited-edition prints, and open-edition prints. Availability will vary by artwork, and purchase options will be added once fulfillment details are finalized. For questions about a particular drawing or commissioned artwork, please contact Michael.