Instant Genius How paleoartists bring dinosaurs to life
Jan 23, 2026
Dr. Mark Witton, a researcher and paleoartist from the University of Plymouth, delves into the fascinating world of paleoart. He reveals the meticulous methods used to reconstruct dinosaurs, emphasizing the importance of fossils and soft-tissue analogs. Mark highlights common Hollywood mistakes, such as depicting featherless T. rexes and oversized eyes. He shares his artistic workflow and discusses how digital tools have revolutionized paleoart. Fun fact: his favorite subjects include the majestic T. rex and giant pterosaurs, showcasing the artistry of extinct creatures.
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Paleoart Is Science-Backed Reconstruction
- Paleoart mixes artistic skill with scientific method to reconstruct extinct life.
- Mark P. Witton says this makes reconstructions testable, not fantasy.
Use All Available Data And Living Analogues
- Use every available data source: measurements, 3D scans, soft-tissue traces, and living analogues.
- Mark P. Witton recommends studying birds, crocodilians, and lizards for muscle and tail anatomy.
Fossils Can Preserve Colour Clues
- Pigment and structural colour can survive and reveal ancient colour patterns in rare fossils.
- Mark P. Witton explains scientists use pigment cell shapes and geochemistry to infer colours reliably.
