meet the artist
Emma Nydam is a science illustrator and fine artist whose work explores the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and their environments. Through detailed observation and a background in biology, she creates artwork that is both visually engaging and grounded in the natural world.
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Her connection to nature began early, growing up on a small farm in Lynden, Washington, where she spent much of her time drawing wildlife and exploring outdoors. She began selling her artwork in 2016, and has continued to grow her art business through high school, college, and beyond.
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Emma studied biology at Dordt University, where she developed a deeper understanding of ecology and the scientific foundations that now inform her work. She is currently completing the Science Illustration program at California State University, Monterey Bay, and plans to continue working as a freelance science illustrator and artist.​
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Having spent years exploring both the Great Plains and the West Coast, her work is deeply influenced by a sense of place—ranging from prairie landscapes to coastal ecosystems. She is especially drawn to illustrating species in context, capturing not just individual organisms but the relationships that connect them.
​​​When she’s not painting or working on commissions, Emma can usually be found hiking, birding, gardening, tide-pooling, or traveling with her husband, family, and friends.