Scientific Illustration: Where Art Meets Science (Ages 11-15)

Most people consider science and art to be on opposite sides of the spectrum, but they often meet in a field called scientific illustration. Even if you have never heard of scientific illustration before, you have likely seen it in many places. Think about the science textbooks you used in school, magazines such as National Geographic, encyclopedias and the images and models at museum exhibits.
 
In this weekly ongoing class I will be instructing learners on how to illustrate specimens from different scientific fields such as biology (microbiology, botany, marine biology, and zoology), geology (mineralogy, paleontology) and archaeology, as well as astronomical objects and space exploration. The focus is on the multitude of curious art forms in nature and noticing how some forms repeat across specimens from entirely different scientific fields.

The classes are fast paced and our goal is fill a page with approximately 8 to 15 illustrations (this number depends on the topic and complexity of the specimens). While developing the ability to simplify down to essential forms and pick out the most important shapes and values quickly the pacing will also help them break their tentative lines and rushing to detail habits, develop their hand eye coordination and allow them to overcome their fear of making mistakes eventually leading to more confidence in their mark making. 

We will begin each class by marking the positions of the specimens on our page using light graphite pencil marks. This will ensure that we have enough space between our drawings so that they do not overlap. It will also allow learners to have a balanced final composition which fills the entire page (following this arrangement of specimens is not mandatory and some learners choose to create their own). 

We will then lightly sketch out the basic shapes that make up each specimen before completing the final outlines and shading. For new learners shading is not mandatory. This will allow them more time to work on their outlines and also make it easier for them to later color their specimens. 

Along the way, learners will get many drawing tips, learn scientific facts and be encouraged to share their own about the subjects we are illustrating. They will be able to ask me questions or request clarifications for any part of the drawing process. Learners will also have the opportunity to show me their work during and at the end of class if they would like to receive feedback and tips on how to improve. As a final result, they will have a page full of scientific illustrations on that week's topic. No prior knowledge is required. 
 
Learners will have access to our online community where they will be able to view upcoming classes and share their illustrations with other scientific illustrators. Some of the topics we will be covering are: Bacteria, Algae, Protozoans, Microscopic Animals, Leaves, Flowers, Orchids, Seed Pods, Fruits, Vegetables, Cacti, Succulents, Trees and Mushrooms after which we will be illustrating Caterpillars, Butterflies and Insects. We continue with Rocks and Minerals, Fossils, Ancient Artifacts, Greek Pottery, The Solar System, Fish, Marine animals, Seashells, Jellyfish, Starfish, Corals, Sea Slugs, Sharks etc.