Scientific Illustration and Watercolor Techniques

This class is designed to be flexible. It can enhance science, natural history or social studies curricula.

 

Objective:


Students learn how to use a watercolor box.  Techniques include color mixing, skills for a variety of brush strokes, wet and dry brush applications and how to work with a secret ingredient.  They practice documenting their scientific observation through drawing.  

Ages: 3rd - 12th grade


The following topics are presented:


  1. •The explorer as journalist and artist

  2. •The use for a portable medium

  3. •The life of a naturalist

  4. •Color theory

  5. •Watercolor techniques


This class can address unique topics such as the journey of Lewis and Clark, the state symbols of Illinois,  the classification of trees, etymology, ornithology and other studies in biology including cells.


Art Activity:


Students are given watercolor supplies and a picture or leaf to draw in pencil.  After completing the drawing they paint using watercolor wet and dry techniques.

The Cardinal, Illinois State Bird