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I teach nature journaling and scientific illustration at biological field stations, in university classes, in K-12 classes, in natural history museums, botanical gardens and nature centers, in arts programs and in private instruction. I believe that the ability to draw is not the privilege of a talented elite, but rather a set of skills available to all of us. Like literacy, there are some simple rules and the rest is practice. I teach these skills to students of all ages, all backgrounds, and all skill levels. I always learn something new from my students, too, and they learn from each other.
A sampling of institutions where I have taught scientific illustration:
* UGA Costa Rica Field Station, San Luis, Costa Rica
* Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, Florida
* Highlands Biological Station, Highlands, North Carolina
* Spelman College, Atlanta, GA
* Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta, GA
* Chattahoochee Nature Center, Atlanta, GA
* Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, GA
Here is what some of my students have said about my classes:
"SUPERB course!!! I came in with a moderate background in illustration and stippling with the goal of improving my repertoire of techniques and get more practice and instruction in those I was familiar with. In every regard the course was a success. I feel much more confident with drawing and shading and REALLY liked the introduction to color (something I had no experience with). I got more than my money's worth." - Gavin Lawson, biology professor
"This was a fabulous experience. We ranged widely in experience and skill level, but Nancy was able to adapt to all of us. I can't wait to practice all I've learned. If you offer this class again, please sign me up now!" - Mary Nouri, student from Highlands Biological Station, North Carolina
On the hike
things like the sheen on the leaves, patterns in the bark, or the composition of sets of leaves asserted themselves to me more than usual. It was then I realized something had happened: I was seeing things differently! It was even more striking when I got home.
I noticed the different shades of bark, or the composition of the branches, stems, and light in the trees... Something wonderful has happened, and I hope it is not just to me! The experience is exciting, inspiring, and makes me happy! Thank you, Nancy, and all of you, for helping me discover something new! - Richard Secrist, student from Highlands Biological Station, North Carolina
To find out more about how you can set up a stand-alone workshop or classes at your institution, weave scientific illustration or nature journaling into your biology or ecology courses, or to commission scientific illustration work, please visit my contact page and write me for more information.
Upcoming classes in Athens, GA and Atlanta, GA:
Nature Journaling:
Saturday October 23 and 30, 2010. 10:00am - 12:00 noon.
Atlanta, GA.
$60. Two sessions, materials included
The weather is cooling, it's pleasant outside. Reconnect with nature through art and science. Learn to make your own nature journal, draw accurately from nature, write observations. You will become a better observer of the dramas in your own backyard, on hikes, field trips and travels. Keep your nature journal all week and share with others. At the end of the class you will have a unique nature journal to display as art. No experience necessary, all levels welcome!
Zen of Pen: Drawing as Meditation:
Sunday October 10, 2010. 10:00am - 12:00 noon.
Athens, GA.
$30.
Attention is the goal. Drawing as a meditative practice.
Gifts from Nature:
November 6 and November 13, 2010. 10:00am - 12:00 noon.
Athens, GA.
$60. Two sessions.
Make stationery and gifts using drawings and collage materials from nature. Get ready for the holiday season! Materials provided... and found!
Botanical Drawing Workshop
April 2 10:00am - 4:00pm
Athens, GA
$80.
Ever wonder if you could create finely detailed botanical drawings? With proper instruction in the conventions of botanical illustration, you can learn this skill. Course includes instruction in fundamentals of botany as well. Materials are provided. Bring brown bag lunch.
Botanical Watercolor Workshop
April 16 and 17 10:00am - 4:00pm
$80.
We demystify watercolor and learn to create beautifully detailed botanical portraits. Materials provided. Bring brown bag lunch.
Science of the Southeastern Piedmont and Southern Appalachians:
Locations and times to be determined together based on your needs.
Local and regional field trips.
$30 per student / hour, discounts for groups.
Learn about the life and death dramas occurring all around us - the discovery channel is right in your own back yard - it's all about knowing where to look and what to look for. We will study topo maps and learn the watershed, take local field trips, learn how to identify local plants, insects, mushrooms and others, observe their interactions, take photographs, use a microscope or hand lens, and keep a nature journal. Great for home school students - design your own program, learn biology and environmental science through art, writing, and investigation.
In addition to scheduled classes, I also tailor my instruction to individuals and small groups. What are you interested in? We will work together to learn about nature through art and science.
Rates for individual and small group instruction:
$30 per hour for one student
$20 per hour for two students or
$15 per hour for 3 or more students in a small group.
I look forward to working with you!