Imbuing art with science is her specialty

Some might describe the painting of soft purple bamboo flowers floating in a pale green pond as tranquil. Physicians and scientists, however, might see something else: cellular structures in the gastrointestinal system.

They'd both be right. After spending 30 years working as a medical illustrator, artist Diane Nelson now creates fine art pieces inspired by microbiology.

“When I was studying histology as a medical illustration student, I always envisioned paintings, because the patterns were so beautiful and the colors were so beautiful,” said Nelson, who displays her works at a Highland Park, Ill., gallery and at dianenelsonstudio.com.

For years, Nelson's medical illustrations appeared in surgical textbooks, medical journals and anatomical wall charts, among other places. Now, her work is decidedly more abstract.

Her piece “Within the Thought” shows a figure of a naked man sitting inside a cellular pattern from a cross-section of bone. “Genetic Union” looks like a white and lavender flower surrounded by wisps of green but actually depicts sperm fertilizing an egg. “Optica Flora” shows layers of colorful, flower-like shapes stacked upon one another. It's actually a cross-section of the retina.

“Any ophthalmologist would probably recognize it, but anyone who's not an ophthalmologist thinks it's a field of flowers,” Nelson said. One person bought it for a 12-year-old girl's bedroom, she said.

Nelson has a bachelor's degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a master's degree in health professions education and a certificate in medical illustration from the University of Illinois in Chicago. Medical illustration programs generally include advanced courses in anatomy and may include courses in pathology, microanatomy and physiology.

“I always had a fascination with science, and I love detail,” Nelson said. “I love telling a story with my art.”