pen and ink

Each week, we’ll look at highlights from the various fields of natural illustration (botany, zoology, anatomy, ornithology, entomology, and more) and discuss the context in which they were created. Students will be guided through a series of drawing and painting exercises based on historical examples. They will experiment with providing context for natural specimens, invent creatures for a bestiary, develop botanical motifs with a ruler and compass, and imitate the look of various printmaking techniques. By the end of class, they will have a series of their own nature-inspired images. These projects will cultivate the contemplation of natural specimens and new approaches to conveying information while developing style in mixed media. They are designed for anyone with an interest in the natural world.

CLASS PROJECTS

You will find the description, directions, and reference materials for each week in the drop-down menu

1. Intro: Botany and the Ancients

• project: begin botany drawing/research

2. Cabinets and Collectors

• project: continue botany drawing

3. Zoology

• project: bestiary sketch

4. Ornithology

• project: feather study

5. Anatomy 

• project: bone drawing

6. Geometry and Nature

• project: drawing with compass and ruler