Third year Natural History Illustration student Elizabeth Oldmeadow has been awarded one of the University of Newcastle's most prestigious awards this week - the Margaret Senior Award.

She won the award for her illustrations of kookaburras, butterflies and scarab beetles that were described as "beautiful and exquisite".

"Having grown up in Port Stephens, I am constantly inspired by the natural environment, and I always enjoy exploring the bush, beach and ocean," Oldmeadow said.

"For the Margaret Senior Award I have illustrated subjects found in the Port Stephens area, and have tried to utilise a range of artistic techniques to demonstrate my versatility as an illustrator."

The annual award is supported by a bequest from Margaret Senior - one of Australia's most prominent and respected wildlife illustrators - and the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change.

This year's students' works range from meticulous scientific illustrations of insects to 'freebrush' drawings of Australian fauna, plus full colour botanical and habitat illustrations.