Course Syllabus

 

 

ACCESS TO CLASSROOM: 

From Skindergade 26, CODE: Key-button +2024 to open the green gate and two following doors.

(DIS ID Card does not work here!)

 

Course Description 

In this introductory course, students will learn fundamental illustration techniques using pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor, and will apply principles of communication to convey scientific information visually. In the first half of the course, students will practice with a variety of subjects (for example, botany, zoology, biomedical) through field work and in the studio. In the second half of the course, students will develop a scientific illustration project of their own design, drawing on inspiration from their science courses, past scientific experiences, or experiences from their own life.

 

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

1. Build skill with mediums traditionally used for science illustration, specifically: pencil, pen & ink, and watercolor. ​
2. Have a general understanding of the history, conventions, and language of science illustration. ​
3. Create multiple examples of work in three different techniques (pencil, pen & ink, and watercolor).​
4. Practice critical discourse through studio critiques and feedback sessions.​
5. Create a Final Illustration Project, synthesizing skills and techniques developed in the course.

 

Faculty

Ursula Beck Master of Fine Arts: Critical & Pedagogical Studies, Malmö Art Academy, Sweden. Bachelor of Arts: Studio Art, University of Puget Sound, USA. Curatorial Assistant, Henry Art Gallery, Seattle. Artist Studio & Gallery Assistant, Portland, Oregon. Gallery Assistant, Portland Art Museum. Art Lecturer & Visiting Faculty, various institutions, USA and Sweden, 2018 - 2020. With DIS since 2021.

 

Intended student audience

This course will appeal to STEAM students who have a strong interest in the language and techniques of science illustration. Prior art experience is not required, only a willingness to participate fully in the process. 

 

Materials

A list of materials provided (by DIS) and materials that the students will be responsible for will be updated soon.

 

Major Topics

These may include some or all of the below:

1. History, language and uses of Science illustration
2. Practical techniques and skills - pencil, pen and ink, watercolor
3. Botanical illustration
4. Zoological illustration
5. Medical illustration
6. Archaeological illustration
7. Illustration of "processes" of science (i.e. human digestion, life cycle of a tick, etc.)

 

Required Readings 

These may include some or all of the below:

The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, Elaine Hodges

Painting Plant Portraits, a Step By Step Guide, Keith West

The Art of Field Sketching, Clare Walker Leslie

Watercolor Triads, Jane Blundell

Science Illustration: A History of Visual Knowledge from the 15^th Century to today, Anna Escard

The required readings are available on Canvas under Modules, in the Classroom, or in the DIS Library.

 

Expectations

The expectations for the class are as follows:

• Participants will be on time and attend all class sessions. We meet once a week, so time is precious!
• Participants will fully engage in all group exercises and field trips.
• Participants will do the work on time, as many of the exercises build off of the previous week’s work.
• Participants will complete all independent sketchbook work. Exercises will be given between classes and will be designed to advance our observational and drafting skills.
• Participants will participate in classroom viewings and critiques, where all members of the class share their work. This is a time for feedback and critical thinking about our work.
• Participants will bring all necessary materials to every class, ready for use.
• The class will culminate in a Final Project, integrating techniques, media, and communication skills acquired throughout the semester. 

 

Evaluation and Grading

Based on the above expectations, participants will be evaluated on their effort, both in class and in independent work. The grade breakdown is as follows:

Component	Weight
Attendance & Participation	20%
Independent Sketchbook	40%
Illustration Briefs	Pass/Fail
Midterm Illustration	10%
Final Project	30%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Note**:  To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work.  

 

Field Studies

These may include some or all of the below:

The Copenhagen Zoo / Zoologisk Have København

The Botanical Garden / Botanisk Have

Museum of Natural History / Statens Naturhistoriske Museum

The Medical Museum / Medicinsk Museion

The National Museum/Nationalmuseet

 

Policies

Use of Laptops or Phones in Class

Laptops and phones may be used in class for reference work, but otherwise should not be a distraction.

Policy on Late Assignments

Late assignments will be accepted, but your grade will be reduced for each day that it is late.