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Scientific Illustration

  • drssmedia
  • Dec 5, 2022
  • 4 min read

Updated: Dec 7, 2022


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Dayton Natural History + Boonshoft Museum Insect Collection


Add text to your drawing:

Instructions

Open a word document. Choose one of the following fonts and adjust the point size as indicated. Type the text, check spelling and capitalization conventions.

Draw a box around the text.

Print the document, rub the back with graphite pencil (2B or #2 should work).

Cut the box out. Position the box on the drawing (Refer to your original thumbnail).

Two options for placing text so that is aligned straight on the paper:

1. Measure the distance from the edge of the box to the edge of the page at both ends to make sure it is aligned - top and side.

2. Use the light table and the calligraphy liner - line one guideline up with the top of the page. Place your image.

Once its straight - transfer the drawing.


Finally, lightly go over lines with pencil to make sure all text is complete, and then select a marker (black or brown) that matches the point size of your text. Practice on your practice sheet first, then trace the text with the marker.

Carefully trace the circle close up with marker.


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Our Rubric is comprised of the goals we set for our drawings through this project:

Rubric Scientific Illustration

Dayton Natural History + Boonshoft Museum Insect Collection

0- not considered - missed this 1 - comfortable working knowledge -practicing 2- well developed - consistently applying


Project Goals

Composition / Layout

_______ My drawing includes all of the essential components for Scientific Illustration – Title (Scientific and Common Name), Circular detail view, Drawing of insect

________ The insect is the focus of the composition (appropriately scaled for emphasis)

________ There is a balance of positive and negative space and equal padding around the perimeter and between elements of the drawing

Drawing

_______ I measured and scaled the insect specimen consistently for all parts to achieve accurate proportions I used the following scale factor 1:____

________ I used contour line drawing to capture accurate edges and internal form

________ I blended and layered analogous colors gradually to achieve accurate representation of color, texture and luminosity

_______ I developed form in the drawing through use of light and dark values of color

_______ I utilized shading techniques (hatching, stippling, contour hatching, tonal, scumbling) effectively to show surface qualities and textures

Craftsmanship

________ My drawing is well crafted – all marks are intentional, and the page is clean and free of smudges

_______ The lettering looks consistent and professional

_______ The zoom view circle is drawn precisely

Studio Habits

_______ I am engaged with lessons – staying on task and putting forth my best effort

______ I am receptive to feedback and give kind, helpful, and specific feedback

______ I take care of materials, supplies and studio space

Reflective Learning

_______ I can reflect and write about my learning including specific skills and techniques and utilizing appropriate art terminology


Reflect + Share


Slide 1 Insert a photograph of your drawing

Photograph it on the easel with black background and change your slide background to black.


Slide 2 is your Reflection

Title: Scientific Drawing


Refer to the rubric above and write a reflection (in paragraph form) describing how you addressed the following points on the rubric - utilize appropriate terminology-

  • Composition and layout - how did you determine the overall composition?

  • Drawing - How did you create accuracy in your drawing in terms of scale and proportion? What were the steps of drawing techniques you used to develop the drawing from beginning to end? What color theory and color pencil drawing techniques did you learn and employ in this drawing? What shading techniques did you learn in a previous project that you carried forward in this drawing?

  • Craftsmanship - What considerations did you have for craftsmanship in this drawing?

  • Studio Habits - Reflect on your studio habits throughout this project. Consider how you are operating in the studio space in relation to your engagement with the lessons and with others in the room. How are you contributing to a positive, productive and supportive space?

  • Goals + Growth - What were some take aways you had from the mid-drawing reflection? (Describe skills you were developing and applying, goals for the rest of the drawing)- and then ultimately how you met those goals and growth you have experienced.

  • Write your Name



POST YOUR POWERPOINT TO THIS PADLET MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS ON IT! https://padlet.com/jennymontgomery/7073tn81kko6vo19





Art I: Scientific Illustration Unit Extension Activities

Option #1 – Meet some scientific illustration artists

Look at the web links for scientific illustration artists below. Choose one artist. In 1-2 paragraphs:

  • Describe a piece of their work or their artistic process in general.

  • Describe their career and include things like the subjects of their work, where they work, how their work is used or exhibited, and at least two other details about their work/career that is included in the article.

Artist and Part-time Entomological Museum Curator, Joe MacGown (web pages)

(If you are having trouble with the hyperlink, here are the URLs: https://www.norasherwood.com/blog and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INOuaHZ-WPc or type the title into YouTube.)

Option #2 – How to become a scientific illustrator

Read the article below.

In 1-2 paragraphs:


  • Describe the steps to become a scientific illustrator. Do not just copy steps; be descriptive about the education, training, and practice needed. (No need to write about specific colleges as there are many universities who offer programs to support this career).

  • Explain WHY you think someone might want to purse this career path.

How to Become a Scientific Illustrator *Note: We know that some illustrators work in traditional art media for scientific illustration. This article focuses on graphic design tools for scientific illustration.

If you are having trouble with the hyperlink, here’s the URL https://www.simplifiedsciencepublishing.com/resources/how-to-become-a-scientific-illustrator

If you are having trouble with the hyperlink, here’s the URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAkgqb0ctug.

 
 
 

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