Biological Illustration

Biological illustration is a field of study that examines all areas of biological sciences. This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of the intertwining of visual art with natural sciences and how illustration can benefit scientific study. Both the arts and sciences are historically based upon observation, scientific research, and the study of multiple disciplines that allow us to view the biological world from different perspectives with greater accuracy. This enriches the work of both the scientist and the artist. Students will explore scientific terms and concepts that will assist them in creating accurate drawings used in research, teaching, scientific journals and publication, presentations, and other applications.

Basic knowledge of biological concepts and some artistic ability are useful. Both art and biology involve careful observation dealing with ideas where the hands, eye, and mind come together. During the Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci was a true artist and scientist. He observed the world closely, studying physiology, anatomy, natural sciences, physics, engineering, and art. Charles Darwin sketched finches in the Galapagos as he uncovered the mysteries of evolution. Some of the greatest artistic and scientific minds belonged to the individuals who embraced both the sciences and visual arts. The principal task of a scientific illustrator is preparing accurate renderings of natural science subjects for various applications. The goal of this class is to enhance the student's technical skills and understanding of the importance of visual communications in biology. Emphasis is placed on observation, visual data collection, annotated field sketching, studying the characteristics of biological specimens, and the research process in preparation for the final illustration. Students will become acquainted with basic rendering techniques used in biological illustration. This course aims to create a mutual understanding and appreciation between those involved in the fields of visual art and sciences.

Click/tap the photos below to see ticks, seashells, and skulls drawn by the following students in 2022: Kiley Castle, Georgie Eckley, Leo Bellissimo, Hannah Gates, Aakanksha Koppisetti, Matt Ruegg, Anna Schipf, Sarah Green, Sophia Chiaia, and Satil Moni.

Top: Andean Condor (Alicia Napolitano). Bottom Left: Human (Ashley Hart). Bottom Right: Chimpanzee (Danielle Nielsen).
Top: Cape Buffalo (Danielle Nielsen). Bottom: Coyote (Karina Sorensen)
Top: Coyote (Jessica Plouffe). Bottom Left and Right: Humans (Michael D'Arcy; Michelle Campbell).
Top: Horse (Stephen Kipp). Bottom Left: Human (Cierra Howard). Bottom Right: Cat (Sarah Hoegler).
Top Left: Lion (Phil Occhiboi). Top Right: Chimpanzee (Anusha Atique). Bottom Left: Human (Shughla Ghafoor). Right: Lion (Ryan Provenzano).

Drawings for Biological Illustration honors course. An Andean condor is on the top, its beak facing the right. The human and chimpanzee skulls, on the bottom left and right respectively, face each other.

Drawings for Biological Illustration class. At the top is a cape buffalo's head and neck, complete with the right horn. The bottom drawing is of a coyote skull, which is facing the left.

Drawings for Biological Illustration honors class. A coyote skull is on the top, facing left. Two human skulls, on the bottom left and right, face each other.

Drawings for Biological Illustration honors course. The top drawing is of a horse skull, which faces the right. A human skull is on the bottom left, facing right. A cat skull is on the bottom right, facing left.

Drawings for Biological Illustration class. There's a lion skull in the top left and bottom right, both facing forward. A chimpanzee skull is in the top right, facing left, and a human skull is in the bottom left, facing right.

Top Left: Frog-legged Beetle (Cierra Howard); Top Right: Rainbow Leaf Beetle (Jessica Plouffe); Bottom: Neapolitan Butterfly (Shughla Ghafoor)
Top Left: Feather Horned Beetle (Danielle Nielsen), Top Right: Schoenherri Weevil (Jessica Plouffe); Bottom: Tiger Moth (Matheus Alexandre)
Top: Leaf Beetle (Rachel Rossier); Bottom Left: Longhorn Beetle (Phil Occhiboi); Bottom Right: Longhorn Scarab Beetle (Ryan Provenzano)
Top: Pipevine Swallowtail (Sarah Hoegler); Bottom: Tailed Jay (Stephen Kipp)
Top Left: Jewel Beetle (Alicia Napolitano); Top Right: Ground Beetle (Erika Sabovik); Bottom: Procilla Beauty (Karina Sorensen)
Top: Luna Moth (Ashley Hart); Bottom Left: Flea/Leaf Beetle; Bottom Middle: Rainbow Steal Click Beetle; Bottom Right: Flower Chafers (all Danielle Nielsen)