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Holly Gray and Evan Barbour, 2003 |
The
Science Illustration Certificate Program has a specific sequence
of courses that offer intensive training in black-and-white,
color, and computer-based illustration techniques. Special
techniques, portfolio development, and business aspects of
the science illustration profession are also covered in informally
scheduled master seminars.
GRADUATE PROGRAM
SEQUENCE OF COURSES
Fall
Introduction to
Natural Science Illustration, A. Caudle
Information Graphics, A. Bachar
Field Sketching, J. Keller
Winter
Natural Science Illustration
in Color, A. Caudle
Design of Information Graphics, A. Bachar
Applied Techniques in Natural Science Illustration, J. Keller
Advanced Techniques in Color Science Illustration, A. Caudle
Spring
Botanical Illustration,
A. Caudle
Zoological Illustration, J. Keller
Interactivity Information Graphics, A. Bachar
Advanced Techniques in Color Science Illustration,
A. Caudle
Over the course of the year, the curriculum progresses from
general to specific topics by first establishing a foundation
of drawing skills using basic media. Increasingly sophisticated
media and complex illustration concepts are gradually introduced,
and finally, in-depth study of specific subject matter is
pursued.
The first term lays the groundwork, with
instruction in traditional black-and-white techniques as
well as digital media. Since accuracy is as important as
skillful technique, thorough research of subjects and attention to morphology is strongly stressed
in all courses. The ability to draw from life and from specimens
is an essential skill; therefore, fundamentals of plant and
vertebrate structure are covered, along with plenty of life-drawing
practice to help students capture gesture and movement in
finished pieces.
The second term introduces students to
color techniques and theory as they apply their skills to
substantial illustration projects in both traditional and
digital media. Students are encouraged to progress from merely
pictorial to more descriptive, conceptual illustration projects.
The third term allows students to study specific subject
matter in greater depth through botanical, zoological,
advanced
Graphics courses, and collaborations with science writers. In addition, students
explore museum exhibition skills as they produce the spring
illustration exhibit.
Woven into the fabric of the year's course
work are seminars and guest lectures that address such topics
as reproduction of artwork, the history of scientific illustration,
portfolio development, business practices, and copyright
law. Students are encouraged to seek out and work on mutually
beneficial projects with
researchers and other professionals in scientific fields. Finally, students
in the program follow up their course work with an internship
in their field of interest. Examples of summer internships
include muralist and science illustrator for the Rio Grande
Zoological Park, Albuquerque, N.M.; project illustrator at
the Ayios-Dhimitrios Bronze Age excavation for the District
Archaeology Museum, Larnaca, Cyprus; illustrator for the
celebrated book Life on the Edge: A Guide to California's
Endangered Natural Resources, published by BioSystems Books,
Santa Cruz, Calif., in collaboration with Heyday Books, Berkeley,
Calif.; illustrator for the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center,
Stanford, Calif.; and apprentice art director and illustrator
for Scientific American magazine, New York City, N.Y. The
program staff members advise and assist students in pursuing
such internships.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
106. Introduction to Natural Science Illustration
Introduction to graphite, pen and ink, coquille, and scratchboard,
along with training in essential skills for creating accurate
and dynamic scientific illustrations. Attention to the
demands of the printing process along with basics of proportion,
perspective, and composition.
107. Natural Science Illustration in Color
Intensive instruction in colored pencil, watercolor, and
mixed media. Emphasis on keen observational skills, mastery
of color concepts, as well as communication of accurate
information through color illustration.
109. Botanical Illustration
With herbaria, live specimens, and field drawings as reference,
students produce botanical images with both ink and watercolor.
Basic plant morphology, dissection studies, and plant environments
are introduced and integrated into illustration assignments.
110. Zoological Illustration
Presents an overview of the animal kingdom through intensive
sketching sessions devoted to selected taxonomic groups,
as well as techniques for representing dimension, texture,
and detail of various types of animals. Morphology and
movement are also discussed. Using appropriate black and
white or color media, students produce an illustrated classification
manual and several finished illustrations.
120A. Information Graphics
Basics of computerized illustration and print graphics, introduction
and exploration of principles of information graphics.
Explores roots, theory, principles, current practices,
and future directions in computer-based information graphics.
Covers basic graphic programs.
120B. Design of Information Graphics
Design theory and techniques for the production of information
graphics. Topics include information layout, grid system,
use of type, use and development of illustrative components,
and integration in multi-element documents. Concentration
on computer-based skills and the use of page layout programs.
120C. Interactivity Information Graphics
Theory and techniques in the design and production of computer-based
interactive information. Topics include multithreaded information,
user interface design and production, usability, platform
compatibility issues, authoring, prototyping, Internet
publishing, and some basic multimedia. Concentration on
computer based skills for publishing on the Web.
204. Field Sketching
Sharpens visual perception, drawing, and design skills through
extensive sketching practice. Field trips to forest, grassland,
riparian, ocean shore, and other environments provide varied
subject matter from which to draw. Basic morphology of
commonly illustrated organisms, methods of collecting visual
information, and design experimentation are discussed.
207. Applied Techniques in Natural Science Illustration
Focuses on increasing professionalism in all areas of illustration
skills. Topics include portfolio development, preparation
of artwork for display, freelance practices, integration
of images with text, and the illustrator/art director relationship.
Presents both black-and-white and color techniques, including
pencil on film, ink wash, and mixed media. Strong emphasis
on conceptual illustration—how to convey an idea,
process, sequence of events, etc., through visual means.
208A-B. Advanced Techniques in
Color Science Illustration
Taught over two quarters. Includes an intensive investigation
of advanced color techniques, including gouache, mixed
media, and acrylic. Emphasis on design, idea generation,
and visual storytelling. In addition to in-class assignments,
students produce several choice portfolio pieces.
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