Schedule
Core Conference
Mon 7/12 :: Tue 7/13 :: Wed 7/14
Monday, July 12, 2010
Keynote
The Structure of Butterfly Color Patterns: A Tool for Visual Communication
Fred Nijhout, Department of Biology, Duke University
Monday, 9:30 - 11:00
.15 biomedical CEUs
Butterflies use their color patterns as a means of communication. Color patterns can be used to send sexual signals to mates, to advertise distastefulness to predators, to camouflage the animal to prevent detection, or to mimic a different species and appear to be what you are not. The color patterns of butterflies are assembled form discrete pattern elements whose identity can be tracked from species to species. By selectively shaping and coloring these pattern elements, each of the 12,000 or so species of butterflies develops a unique color pattern. In this talk I will discuss a variety of studies that have helped us elucidate the structure and function of butterfly color patterns and demonstrate that butterfly patterns are fundamentally different from those of animals like zebras, tigers and leopards. I will illustrate how one can “read” or “parse” a color pattern, and how the color patterns of diverse species develop from a common groundplan.
back to top
Technique Showcase
Monday, 1:00 - 5:00
Come in and see in-depth demonstrations on traditional and non-traditional media. In addition, we have local sponsors joining us. You are sure to learn something new at the 2010 Techniques Showcase.
back to top
Tuesday, July 14, 2010
Presentations
An Introduction to Sketchbook Pro
Tuesday 8:30-9:30
.1 art CEUs
Fast and intuitive are two words that perfectly describe Autodesk Sketchbook Pro. Its simple and intuitive interface make it the perfect program for both the beginning digital artist as well as for the expert who would like to increase their speed. The interface is very minimalistic so it doesn’t get in the way when you are working. Tool characteristics (size, shape, color, etc.) can be changed very easily. This allows the artist to work very quickly. It uses layers, tools, and color palettes, just like many of the more complicated programs. If you are not familiar with creating digital artwork and you want to learn, this program is a great place to start.
back to top
Life-Like Portraits: Who Painted Them?
Tuesday 8:30 - 9:30
.1 art CEUs
Last year I gave this lecture at Fort Kent. I decided it would be worthwhile to offer it again, as many will attend the Raleigh meeting who couldn’t make it to Fort Kent. I will project an ample number of these beautiful paintings via PowerPoint and have the audience guess who painted them, and where. Last year’s audience’s guesses ranged very widely (and wildly.) There were votes for: ancient Egypt, the Byzantine iconic era, early Renaissance, high Renaissance, era of Ruben, Pre Raphaelite school impressionist era, “modern art”, post-modern, and various others. To those who attended last year: Please don’t spoil the fun by giving away the provenance!
back to top
Entomological Illustration in Color Combining Traditional Techniques and Photoshop
Tuesday 9:30-10:30
.1 art CEUs
The goal is to show time-saving methods in entomological illustration, including creation of sketches on semi-transparent film, photographing specimens or using a camera lucida, and compiling sketches in Photoshop. I’ll demonstrate a combination of traditional and digital color rendering, where Prismacolor colored pencils are used to create the color illustration. This final illustration is taken into Adobe Photoshop for additional “beautification”. The background is removed, the illustration is given a glossy texture, extra highlights and shadows are added and color curves adjusted. A quick but effective drop shadow is added. This slide show presentation should appeal to beginners through advanced (handouts and visuals will help beginners), and there will hopefully be tips more advanced people can take home.
back to top
Tuesday 10:30-11:30
.1 Business CEUs
Making your web site attractive to search engines is the name of the game in a cyber-business environment. There are some basic necessities every web page needs in the race to the top of the Google results. Proper meta-tagging is crucial in getting to the starting gate. Whether you make your own, or have the Science-art.com portfolio system help you do it, the important thing is to make smart choices when composing your page's online digital ID - Meta Tags. Britt will also review the latest features of Science-art.com
back to top
Business Discussion Roundtable
Sara Taliaferro & Alison Schroeer
Tuesday 1:00 - 3:00
.2 Business CEUs
Join us for an open discussion with GNSI members who have worked in the freelance business to gain insights and tips for your success in the illustration business.
back to top
Copyright and Intellectual Property
James Boyle and Jennifer Jenkins
Tuesday 1:00 - 2:00
.1 Business CEUs
The purpose of copyright is to promote creativity, and the distribution of knowledge and culture. How should the copyright system - as it continues to pursue this objective - adapt to the challenges and opportunities posed by digital technologies? Duke Law Professors James Boyle and Jennifer Jenkins will discuss both the history and future of copyright, and how the contours of the law can shape art and culture
back to top
Biological Illustration in Higher Education: Research & History of Drawing to Learn
Tuesday 2:00 - 35:00
0.1 Art CEU
Most people believe that drawing from observation is advantageous to learning about organisms or structures, but there is little empirical evidence to support that belief. My research involves testing a student’s ability to make accurate observations and how drawing in a biology class impacts these observations and student learning. Investigations include an interesting comparison between drawing abilities of science majors and non-science majors, as well as a comparison between students who receive training in how to draw and those who do not.
We’ll also discuss educational standards in drawing and observational skills from a historical perspective.
Level: General
Presentation Type: Lecture; Discussion
back to top
Steve Buchanan, Dave Clarke, and Clara Richardson
Tuesday 3:00 - 5:00
.2 Art CEUs
Ready to start thinking about creating digital artwork? Thinking about creating an online portfolio? Join us for an open discussion with GNSI members who have great experience working in the digital media to gain insights and tips for your success in the illustration business.
back to top
Quantum Color Theory and Mechanics
Tuesday 4:00 - 5:00
.1 Art CEUs
Quantum Color Theory and Mechanics: The Mathematical Reconstruction of Physiological Color Utilizing Primary Plant Pigment Absorption Wavelengths as Applied to Botanical Illustration.
A PowerPoint presentation and discussion session for all levels outlining the development of a new color circle proto-type that incorporates both the absorption wavelength spectrum (additive mixing of light color theory), the corresponding reflection wavelengths (the subtractive mixing of pigment color theory), specific primary plant pigment absorption wavelengths with examples of particular plants and calculations of complements, split complements, triads, and three specific tetrads of harmonic wavelengths in the reconstruction of the physiological color of the plant specimen as applied to botanical illustration.
back to top
Paleo Talks!
Tuesday, July 13, 1:00 - 5:00
.2 Art, .2 Biomedical CEUs
I. Reconstructing a Primate from Eocene Myanmar, Ganlea megacanina
See how a new species was reconstructed from just one fragment of fossil jaw! Mark Klingler works with some of the world’s leading scientists to piece together the lives of animals that disappeared from Earth tens of millions of years ago. The pivotal Ganlea suggests that the common ancestor of humans, monkeys, and apes evolved in Asia, not Africa as many researchers believe. Comparing the jaw fragment to the similar teeth of modern Saki monkeys, the team deduced that this early primate—whose name means “large teeth”!—used its strong canines to bite into tough tropical fruits and nuts. Learn how Klingler brought this hungry, large-toothed early monkey back to life 38 million years later!
back to top
II. Illustrating a Dinosaur Exhibit
Thomas Miller, Traci Connor, and
Jennifer Armstrong
Explore the illustrator-client relationship from both sides with paleoartist Thomas Miller and exhibit developers Traci Connor and Jennifer Armstrong. They will review the process used to create illustrations for the Museum of Life and Science’s Dinosaur Trail (opened July 2009 in Durham, NC.) Thomas’ work is featured on the signage, website, and associated products sold in the gift shop. In addition, Thomas will review his technique and process from sketches to finished illustrations.
back to top
III. Plants of the Mid-Palaeozoic
The life of the Mid-Palaeozoic presents illustrators with both challenges and rewards. Many Palaeozoic plants had no close living relatives, and often fulfilled a role in the ecosystem that has no analogue in modern communities. Thus the usual referents that we use to produce vegetation for prehistoric scenes are of little use. However, with a bit of careful research the artist can accurately produce scenes which depict the earliest terrestrial ecosystems – and glimpse a lost alien landscape stranger than anything from Star Trek.
The fossils of Scotland’s Rhynie chert (the earliest known fossil plant community for which an abundance of good specimens is known) and their use in reconstructing the Devonian terrestrial palaeoenvironment, are reviewed. This presentation is a slide show intended for general audiences.
back to top
Mini Workshops - Tuesday July 13
Natural Colors & the Science of Art
Tuesday, 9:30 - 11:30
.2 Art CEUs
Discover the amazing world of natural colors! Learn where colors come from, how we perceive them, and what we can create from them. Explore “color as light” in an 18th century-style science lab, “color as pigment” in a 16th century-style scriptorium, and “color as art” in a hands-on painting activity.
Subjects touched upon will range from the modern day all the way back
to early human history & the first paintings on cave walls. Use natural
pigments, binders & other materials that are made from animals, vegetables
& minerals, to make homemade paint. Participants will work with a number
of natural paint pigments & will create a cave-style miniature painting
to take home. Participants should bring their own watercolor/gouache brushes;
a painting/sketch pad; a water/rinsing bowl; and an apron.
back to top
Mixing it Up: Combining your Media for Fun and Profit
Tuesday, 1:00 - 3:00
.2 Art CEUs
Every artistic medium has its strengths and weaknesses. Acrylic paint is fast and correctable, but colors can appear flat. Watercolor is luminous, but it can take a dozen washes to build color saturation. Pencils are precise, but time consuming. Why not take the best aspects of every medium and throw out the frustrations? In this mini-workshop we will create several small studies using a variety of mixed media.
What is the fastest way to apply color? What techniques will get you the brightest color? How can a change of media affect the emotional tenor of your artwork? How can you create atmospheric perspective? Prepare to experiment and break some “rules” as we discover the innate powers of our artistic tools.
Please bring a few photo references to work from, and as many of the following media as you are comfortable carrying:
3-4 small (4” x 6”) pieces of 300# hot press paper.
A graphite pencil.
A small set of colored pencils (Prismacolor Verithins, preferred).
A small set of watercolors.
One tube of Titanium White acrylic paint.
One black Micron pen, size .005.
back to top
Tuesday, July 13, 3:00 - 5:00
.2 Art CEUs
Hodge will briefly discuss what is involved in a trompe l’oeil painting and how it differs from that of one of super-realism. He will present various ideas and tricks for lighting and shadows used to obtain extremely realistic qualities. The medium will be layering and burnishing with waxy colored pencils such as Prismacolor. Subject matter should be rather flat and for a small painting no more the ½” in depth, and might include feathers, keys, leaves, sea shells, playing cards, theater stubs, an old envelope with an interesting stamp, family mementos, etc.
Students will complete a small drawing composed of one or more small objects.
Please bring to class:
A selection of waxy colored pencils (about 15 or more and should include white, black, and a Prismacolor burnishing pencil)
A few small, flat objects to draw although the instructor will bring a selection.
You may wish to bring a completed sketch.
back to top
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Presentations
Entomological Illustration in the Digital Age
Wednesday 8:30 - 9:30
.1 Art CEUs
This lecture is about what is involved in being a staff illustrator in
a large institution’s Dept. of Entomology. Entomological Illustration
formally involved understanding the subject material (morphology), use
of microscopes and traditional art supplies and techniques. To be a good
staff illustrator now, one must be a master of the science, microscopes,
traditional art techniques, computer hardware and software programs, photography
and image manipulation. We are now, more than ever, visual information
specialists.
back to top
Advocating for Endangered Species Through Children’s Picture Books
Wednesday 8:30-9:30
.05 Art, .05 Business CEUs
As we face the present challenges of global climate change and an unpredictable
global economy, advocates for endangered species often find themselves
at a loss for effective avenues of action. This presentation, including
PowerPoint and an overview of all the steps from writing and illustration
through book production and marketing, shows one naturalist and educator’s
efforts to reach the hearts and minds of children and parents with compelling
stories that illustrate the lives and quandaries of native endangered
species.
back to top
Educator Discussion Roundtable
Kristie Bruzenak, Bob Palmatier,
Scott Rawlins
Wednesday 8:30 - 10:30
.2 Art CEUs
Join us for an open discussion with GNSI members who have worked as art educators and the challenges they face and solutions they have discovered.
back to top
Wednesday 9:30 - 10:30
Wouldn’t it be great if you could push a button and let your computer do all the hard work: figure out perspective, lighting, shading and shadows, add color, texture and realism to your illustrations? Today’s 3D software is a virtual workshop, sculpture, painting, and photography studio with all the tools you could imagine. This talk will present an overview, along with a few specific examples, of how a science illustrator might take advantage of 3D software.
back to top
Copyright, Contracts and other Legal Issues
Wednesday, 9:30 - 11:30
.2 Business CEUs
A lawyer who specializes in copyright and contracts will be presenting on subjects that are near and dear to every artist’s and illustrator’s hearts. Time for questions and answers will be provided.
back to top
Keeping the “Natural” In Natural Science Illustration
Wednesday 10:30 - 11:30
.1 Art CEUs
Publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962) is commonly understood to have marked the beginning of the environmental movement, at least among members of the general public. As a consequence of increased interest in the natural world, field biology courses and degrees proliferated on college campuses. By the 1980s, however, the various fields of natural science moved away from research focusing on fieldwork and whole organism biology. The “Century of the Genome” gave rise to numerous biomedical life science programs emphasizing cellular studies. One of the consequences of this shift was the reduction of field courses in biology curricula. As a result, students of natural science illustration were cut off from the type of science that helped to create the profession.
All is not lost, however! In recent years there has been a renewal of interest in field programs. Many universities have begun to hire field biologists for the first time in 10 or 20 years. Unfortunately, funding for field classes is hard to find, and during the time cell-based curricula dominated, equipment and facilities for field classes were allowed to deteriorate. How can scientific illustration programs assist in supporting this renaissance? What strategies might be employed in the classroom to promote closer alliances between departments of art and biology? These questions and more will be addressed as participants learn how to keep the "natural" in natural science illustration.
back to top
Wednesday, 10:30 - 11:30
.1 Art CEUs
The words “hands on” takes on new meaning when designing exhibits that are accessible to those who are blind. Learn what went into developing a new exhibit that explores why some fish are fat and others flat, some are prickly, others slippery. It examines wildly different teeth, tails and scales – all amazing adaptations for survival in the sea. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores will be the first aquarium to offer tactile models of fish with touch-activated audio. This exciting project is the culmination of a collaborative effort between RAF Models, our aquarium, accessibility and disability consultants, and low vision, blind and sighted children and adults who tested tactile models. Supported by a grant from the Dept. of Education’s National Institute for Disability Rehabilitation Research, the result is a fun exhibit that ALL visitors enjoy.
back to top
Eon Vue--A Digital Tool for Geology to Cell Biology
Wednesday, 1:00 - 2:00
.1 Art CEUs
Eon Vue has quickly become one of the preeminent software packages for
creating realistic landscapes. Used by big house studios for films like
Pirates of the Caribbean, it can also be useful for individual artists’
print work. In this presentation I’ll give an overview of how I’ve used
the program for geology cutaways and landscapes–and less obvious purposes–like
cell membranes, physics lasers, and more editorial pieces. Of particular
interest, is Vue’s ability to create ecosystems populated with randomized
plants, allowing you to quickly populate an entire landscape with realistic
differences. This same system can be tweaked, and populated with your
own objects, such as lipid molecules in a cell membrane. This presentation
is aimed to inspire and offer some ideas of what’s possible. I’ll be referring
to how I’ve integrated Vue images in Photoshop–so some digital knowledge
is helpful.
back to top
A Natural History Tour of Bosnia and Croatia– Taina Litwak
Wednesday, 2:00 - 3:00
.1 Biomedical CEUs
As a freelance scientific and medical illustrator, I spent two years living
in Bosnia Herzegovina while managing my illustration business back in
the States. During my stay from 2006-2008 I resided in Sarajevo and made
many trips throughout the region, observing the countryside of the Balkans.
Bosnia is a very mountainous country, full of tall spruce and beech forests,
carpeted with wildflowers in the spring and summer - species which, in
this hemisphere we know only as cultivars. The dry rosemary, fig and lavender
covered coast of the Adriatic are a stark contrast to the cold damp mountains
only a few hours inland. This travel lecture features photographic images
of the fauna and flora of Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia.
back to top
Damon Rando of Artful Color, Inc.
Wednesday, 2:00 - 3:00
.1 Art CEUs
The goal of the presentation is to educate artists on how to accomplish the highest quality fine art reproductions possible.
The content I will cover is: What is a giclée? Process of generating
a giclée, issues and problems with Digital Capture, expertise required,
ink and media selection, print permanence of inks, environmental impact
and sustainability, and business issues created by the giclée. The presentation
is appropriate for all levels. The presentation does not presume
prior knowledge of the giclée process. The presentation will be a lecture
with a Power Point slideshow. I will take brief questions during
the presentation and I welcome a Q&A period after the presentation.
back to top
Photoshop: Don’t Lose It, Use It!
Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:00
.1 Art CEUs
Photoshop is a powerful graphic editing software with many possibilities. However, because of its complexity and its somewhat unfriendly interface, many new users get discouraged and only use the basic tools in the default settings. Like any other medium, Photoshop can be customized to create your own styles and techniques. This talk for beginners to intermediate users will discuss ways to control Photoshop, and not be controlled by it. We will cover the interface in detail by looking at the palettes, toolbar, and buttons that are most commonly used for illustration. We will then discuss how to save your workspace and your favorite tools. We will discuss how to overcome common troubleshooting and be confident that Photoshop will only do what you tell it to do.
back to top
Fish Out of Water: Illustrating Your Inner Fish
Wednesday, 4:00 - 5:00
.05 Art, .05 Biomedical CEUs
How do we make science relevant and accessible to the general public?
When Your Inner Fish was conceived, both author, Neil Shubin, and illustrator,
Kalliopi Monoyios, had the lofty goal of inspiring the next generation
of scientists by exposing as many people as possible to the power and
wonder of science. But both having spent their careers in the methodical,
and some would (mistakenly!) say, obscure halls of academia, this was
a greater challenge than one might think. See how these fish out of water
found their footing and ultimately made a book that spent 10 weeks on
the NY Times Extended Best-Seller list, went into double-digit printings
in both hardback and paperback versions, and has been translated into
over 26 languages to date.
back to top
Confessions of a Bird Illustrator: Life at the Interface of Art and Science
Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:00
.05 Art, .05 Biomedical CEUs
I intended to become an ornithologist, and earned a degree in that field, but my hobby of drawing and painting birds and other wildlife got out of hand and became a major part of my professional career. My talk discusses how science informs my illustrations, and vice versa. I will discuss how, with no formal art training, I learned the materials and methods of scientific illustration. I will talk about the design of field guides, and my attitude as to whether such work is art.
back to top
Conservation of Water-Soluble Media for Painting
Wednesday, 4:00 - 5:00
0.1 Art CEU
Slide Show
Painting conservator Hillary Ellis will present examples of conservation treatments of gouache, watercolor, tempera, and other water-based paints. The presentation will provide an overview of paint degradation and inherent vice of artist’s materials. The presentation will also examine how artists can use archival materials and preventive conservation techniques to protect their work from damage and deterioration.
back to top
Mini-Workshops
Birds, Insects and Nests in Watercolor
Wednesday, July 14, 8:30 - 10:30
.2 Art CEUs
This is a drawing and watercolor mini-workshop. Specimens will be provided and each student will render from life. You will be encouraged to work larger than life for the very small things (e.g. bagworm nests) and encouraged to design a study page in order to deal with the drying time. The layering method will be taught and demonstrated. The subjects are often gray and brown and are best illustrated by layering compliments on a dry surface. The class will consist of drawing and painting demos as well as PowerPoint presentations showing progressions of subjects painted by this method.
Participants can use their individual watercolor supplies, but 300 lb paper (preferably hot press but cold is OK) is necessary.
back to top
Wednesday, July 14, 1:00 - 3:00
Combining both worlds of drawing and painting, we shall explore the versatility of watercolor pencils. Washes of color provide a rich dimension to drawings. Sketches become expressive and vibrant; details obtain depth and intensity. We will have fun investigating a medium that has grown in popularity with nature journaling and sketching.
Materials:
A small set of watercolor pencils (recommended Faber Castel Albrecht Durer)
Hot pressed watercolor paper (140#)
A medium sized (#8) synthetic round watercolor brush
A water container
A sheet of Dura-lar (or equivalent matte acetate) for a mixing palette.
back to top
Discovering Design Systems in Scientific Illustration
Wednesday 3:00 - 5:00
.2 Art CEUs
The traditions of natural science illustration hold secrets that can be used to enrich illustrations today. Proportional systems and composition practices that echo those of the Renaissance masters have been used to organize and embed illustrations with particular energies. Join us to discover these secrets and see how they might apply to your own work. Participants will have an opportunity to practice these principles.
Please bring:
Two photocopies of a small to medium piece of 2-dimensional art that you have previously created
A sharpened graphite pencil or mechanical pencils
An eraser
A clear ruler and a clear 45 degree triangle.
Instructor will provide tracing paper drafting tape, and handouts. (no fee)
back to top