Nature Drawing: Blending Art and Science

Learning how to keep a nature journal of your observations can help deepen your connection to art, science and place.  This course aims to introduce ecology at several spatial scales, including landscapes, communities and species. Participants will learn art techniques to sketch landscapes, species interactions, and organisms using colored pencils. Join local artist Olivia Mendoza and KBS scientists to discover how science and art intersect, build scientific knowledge and awareness through journaling, and build intentional observation as scientists, artists and naturalists.

“What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” ~Mary Oliver

Gain skills and experience in:

• Thinking like an artist, a naturalist, and a scientist
• Understanding of biodiversity at the landscape, community, and organismal scale
• Identifying patterns and interactions in nature
• Learning art techniques using pencils and colored pencils
• Making scientific and artistic observations about nature at different scales

About the course, from past participants

“I have never journaled or drawn, so this is exciting! I am going out today to start observing and drawing. Awesome class!”

“This class helped break the ice to try something I was intimidated to do.”

“I want to continue my exploration of this beautiful world, share with kiddos that I am close with to extend the love of nature and art to future generations”

Course schedule

Classes focus on a different ecological scale, starting with landscapes and ecosystems, then communities, then species.

Week 1: Introduction to Nature Journaling

Nature journaling is a way of observing the environment by sketching what you see and jotting down notes about your observation, your surroundings, and what it reminds you of. 

Week 2: Landscape & Ecosystem Ecology

Learn about about agricultural landscape ecology and ecosystem functions.

Week 3: Community Ecology

Unearth plant-plant interactions in Midwest prairie habitats. 

Week 4: Species Ecology

Explore the ecology of organisms (moths and switchgrass).