Art of Natural History- Asynchronous option

This course combines art history with hands-on studio practice. We’ll examine the scientific, social, political, economic, religious, and technological factors behind centuries of natural history illustration throughout Europe– from Ancient Greece to the Enlightenment. Topics include botany as medicine, the Graeco-Arabic translation movement, the impact of the Gutenberg press on the study of nature, European expansion and colonialism, the role of cabinets of curiosity, and the connection between art and science.

Students will learn to draw from observation through a series of recorded demonstrations and one on one virtual meetings.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

8 private virtual meetings to discuss your artwork and progress (half-hour per session)

8 recorded slide presentations on the most beautiful and bizarre illustrations from each field of biology (approx. one hour each)

A weekly series of recorded drawing demonstrations (allow approx. 3 hours per week to watch demonstrations and complete drawing assignments.