Drawing to see:
become a better observer in the field, lab, and studio.

For scientists and students of science, drawing can be one of the best ways to understand biological structures, functions, and the environments and interactions that shape them. Whether we are drawing as part of field notes or making sketches through a microscope in the lab, the very act of drawing makes us better observers. The process of drawing requires intense looking, and it is this intensity of focus that helps us notice and remember things about organisms, habitats, and interactions.

Drawing can be intimidating for the novice. My workshops demystify the drawing process. With simple tools and techniques, I will share skills to enable anyone to make useful, informative sketches in the field and lab, enhancing your research and study in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology.

Rates and other details

Experience: For over two decades, I have taught scientific illustration and nature journaling at biological field stations, science museums, nature centers, art museums and arts centers, libraries, and other settings. I also teach as a visiting instructor in college and university biology and ecology classes as well as in high school biology classes. I have catalyzed art-science collaborations, curated art-science exhibits and performances, founded and directed an art-science residency program, and led other activities for creative science engagement. See below for a list of institutions where I have taught in the past, many of which offered repeat invitations.

Materials: I can provide all materials for participants with an added materials fee. Alternatively, I can provide a preferred materials list and participants can bring their own.

Group size: The nature drawing instruction programs work best for groups of six to fifteen participants. Art-science lectures and discussions can be offered for any size group.

Rates: I offer competitive rates that can be adjusted on a sliding scale. Rates will vary depending on requirements of the class, provision of materials, and other parameters. Let’s start a conversation!

Past Partnerships

Workshops and Visiting Lectures
At colleges and universities, biological field stations, museums, and other organizations, I have taught as a guest lecturer in science communication, art-science, scientific illustration, and other topics of science engagement. Partners have included the following:
Archbold Biological Station
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta College of Art (now Savanna College of Art & Design)
Avery Mitchell Correctional Institution
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Emory University, Department of Environmental Sciences
Highlands Biological Station
Mayland Community College
Organization of Biological Field Stations (video workshop for The Virtual Field)
Penland School of Craft (guest instructor with Hilary Waters Fayle)
Smith College Biology Department
Spelman College Biology Department
Spruill Center for the Arts
University of Georgia Costa Rica, San Luis de Monteverde
University of Massachusetts, Boston, Nantucket Field Station
Warren Wilson College  
Western Carolina University, Philosophy Department
Wofford College, Goodall Environmental Studies Center

K-12 Partnerships
I have designed and led citizen science and other science outreach collaborations with both public and private K-12 schools. Identifying curriculum standards aligned with the project and building strong partnerships is essential to this work. I have also taught nature journaling and scientific illustration as a visiting instructor in middle school and high school classroom settings. Partners include:
Atlanta Partnership for Arts in Learning
Atlanta Public Schools
Clarke County Schools
The Howard School
The Franklin School of Innovation
Paideia School

Presentations
At professional societies, colleges & universities, and other organizations I have made presentations about art-science collaborations, science communication, citizen science, and other kinds of science engagement. Partners have included the following:
Asheville Collider
Association of Environmental Science and Studies
Georgia State University, Biology Department
Grinnell College, Biology Department
Guild of Natural Science Illustrators
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Spelman College Teaching Resource and Research Center
University of Georgia Special Collections Libraries
University of Tennessee, EEB Graduate Program

Art-science Exhibits
I initiated and curated the following exhibits:
Art Wing, Entomological Society of America
Selections, Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Optic Chiasm, Oglethorpe University Museum of Art (co-curated with Nicole Gerardo and Elizabeth Peterson)

Art-science Collaborations  
I catalyzed and facilitated the following collaborations between artists and scientists:
The Accumulation of Change, Lelavision with David Lynn Lab, Emory University
Fertile Eyes, Lelavision with Anna Edlund
Evolution: An Art Experiment in collaboration with Nicole Gerardo Lab, Atlanta Science Festival