OBSERVING NATURE'S DETAILS This workshop is a survey of some visual techniques used by scientists to record natures details. In the process of learning scientific illustration and macro photography techniques, students will become better observers of the natural world. Participants will use their photography skills to collect data for the natural history website, www.discoverlife.org, and will help document species for inventories at Highlands Biological Station and environs. Discover Life is an online encyclopedia of life, integrated with maps, field guides, species information, and other web tools.
Part One: Drawing From Nature (Sunday, April 24) Illustrator Nancy Lowe will teach drawing as a means to becoming a better observer of nature's details. Students will work in both black & white and color media, and learn to use light and shadow, line, form, texture, and composition. Art supplies for Part One provided by instructor. No previous drawing experience required. Part Two:Digital Camera Safari: Zooming In On Nature's Details (Sunday, April 25) Dr. John Pickering and Nancy Lowe will teach macro photography of insects, plants, lichens and other interesting details of natural history. For Part Two, bring your digital camera. See http://www.discoverlife.org/popa/camera.html to find out if your camera has good macro and for a few recommendations for cameras. In addition to good macro function, we recommend a camera with an optical zoom (a lens that physically zooms in and out) of around 10x or more. Also bring laptop, GPS unit, and cell phone, if available. Classes will be held from 9-4 each day. Course fees are $125 ($100 for members of the Highlands Biological Foundation). Housing can be provided for a small fee if needed. The Highlands Biological Station is located in Highlands, NC. You can get more info about the course by calling 828-526-2602. More information about the Highlands Biological Station and its programs can be found at www.wcu.edu/hbs. *** Artist Nancy Lowe is Outreach Coordinator for Discover Life In America, the non-profit organization coordinating the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A former Artist-in-Residence for the Smokies ATBI, Nancy has taught scientific illustration at Highlands Biological Station and numerous other venues around the country. John Pickering is a Professor in the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia, and been involved with the Smokies ATBI and Discover Life in America since their inception. Anya Hinkle, Ph.D. Associate Director, Highlands Biological Station 265 North Sixth Street Highlands, NC 28741 tel-828-526-2602 fax-828-526-2797 www.wcu.edu/hbs ahin...@email.wcu.edu
