About
Pearl Barry
Born in Seattle, WA
Lives & works in ÅŒtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa NZ
I am a wildlife ecologist, science communicator, and illustrator with experience representing animals and plants accurately from life and from photographs.
I have over nine years of work and education experience in natural resource management and four years of community engagement and outreach with a nature-based focus. I am passionate about protecting natural spaces, educating the public, and combining art and science in beautiful and interesting ways.
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​I have studied methods in watercolor and colored pencil for botanical and animal illustration. My mediums include watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal, graphite, acrylic paint, and digital painting (No AI). Freelance projects I have done include community murals, animal portraits, and fantasy illustrations.
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Education
2023 – 2025 Master's Degree of Science in Ecology with Distinction, University of Otago
2015 – 2018 Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science + Honours, Western Washington University
2012 – 2014 Associate’s Degree of Arts and Science, Whatcom Community College
2020 – 2021 Gage Academy of Art
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Painting the Natural World - Kathleen McKeehen
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Portrait Painting in Oil - Aron Hart
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Portrait Drawing - Nicholas Enevoldsen
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Figure Structure Drawing - Geoff Flack
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Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil - Crystal Shin
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Introduction to Oil Paint - Michael Friel
Work
2024 – Present Environmental Educator at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, Dunedin, NZ
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2023 Botanical Technician: Coastal Sand Dune Restoration for the University of Otago, Rakiura/Stewart Island,​ NZ
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2022 Avian Field Technician: Backcountry Songbird Point Counts for the Institute for Bird Populations, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, WA
2021 Avian Field Technician: American Goshawk for the Institute for Bird Populations, Stanislaus National Forest, CA
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2021 Science Technician: Forage Fish and Kelp for the Vashon Nature Centre, Vashon Island, WA
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2018 Habitat Steward and Farmer for the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust, Vashon Island, WA
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2012 Youth Zoo Guide and Camp Assistant for the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, WA
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Grants & Awards
2023 - Kitty Southern Student Research Grant
2023 - Leslie Hutchins Research Award
2013 - National Audubon Society Student Grant
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Public Work
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4m² Chorus utility cabinet with a design celebrating the ecological restoration of Half Mile Reserve in Alexandra, NZ, featuring a McCann’s skink and NZ jasmine.
2020 - Artists at Work Quilt Mural
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82cm2 painted wood panel. Part of a larger 45 piece community artist collage.
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