About Dr Lindsay Marshall

Artist · Scientist · Natural Historian

From Science to Art

I grew up on the coast of Western Australia, fishing and diving in the Indian Ocean. At age five, I caught my first fish — a Sweep — off a jetty in Victor Harbor. I was hooked.

By thirteen, I was diving, and a trip to Ningaloo Reef shortly after sealed my path: I would dedicate my life to studying marine life — fishes, and especially sharks.

I hold a PhD in Zoology from the University of Tasmania (in partnership with the CSIRO), and I’m a published shark taxonomist.

My PhD thesis was titled "The Fin Blue Line: Quantifying Fishing Mortality Using Shark Fin Morphology." In this research, I investigated the morphological characteristics of shark fins to develop methods for quantifying fishing mortality. By analysing fin structures, the study aimed to enhance species identification from fin samples — providing valuable tools for fisheries monitoring and management. This work contributes to conservation by improving our understanding of species-specific exploitation and informing sustainable fishing practices.

My Journey as an Artist

Though I’ve had no formal art training beyond school, I’ve drawn and painted since childhood. My high school final year piece was selected for the 1998 Year 12 Perspectives exhibition at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Since 2003, I’ve worked professionally under the name Stick Figure Fish Illustration. My work bridges science and art — combining taxonomic precision with fine detail and a deep reverence for each species I paint. I've learned a great deal in the past 20 years of illustrating, and have come a very long way.

Scientific Illustration Work

I specialise in scientifically accurate illustrations of sharks, rays, fishes, and other aquatic life. Every image is grounded in fieldwork, anatomical research, and painted entirely by hand.

Major projects include:

• Rays of the World (CSIRO Press)
• The Tree of Life Project (illustrating over 1,500 species)
• A key to Australian Myctophids (CSIRO)
• Three national stamp series for Australia Post

In 2023, I was honoured with a namesake species: Heterodontus marshallae – The Painted Hornshark.
I was also inducted into the Australian Society for Fish Biology Hall of Fame, recognising my lifetime contribution to fish taxonomy and species illustration.

A New Direction

I’ve recently stepped away from private commissions. Instead, I now release small, curated collections of original paintings a few times a year — offered first to members of my Collectors Waitlist.

These originals focus mostly on entire groups of species, captured in detail — showing the subtle features that differentiate one genus or lineage from another.

If you'd like early access to upcoming releases and the chance to suggest what I paint next, you're warmly invited to join the waitlist here.

Follow Along

You can follow me on Instagram @stickfigurefish to see my latest work, painting process, and studio life behind the scenes.

🎧 Listen to my interview on ABC Radio National’s Books and Arts program here.