Before photography, it was up to artists to document plants and animals inscientific illustrations.

Poland-based artistVitor Velezdraws inspiration from this age-old practice in his series of mixed-media illustrations.

Using a combination of colored pencils, pens, and watercolors, he captures a breadth of wildlife.

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

From foxes to whales, these drawings cover a variety of species.

Now, he makes his own notes that border the colorful portraits of animals both large and small.

Poland-based artist Vitor Velez creates exquisite mixed-media illustrations.

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

He uses a combination of colored pencils, pens, and watercolors to capture different wildlife.

These drawings are paired with Velez’s notes on these different species.

Velez’s art echoes the tradition of scientific illustration and nature journaling.

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez

Watercolor Illustrations by Vitor Velez