Wunderkammer Watercolor Workshop

Go behind the scenes and draw directly from the specimens of the research collections at the Natural History Museum. As we explore the collections and meet the researchers we will assume the role of the Naturalist who was both artist and scientist. Through the act of close observation, we will gain unique perceptual insights into our specimens.
Imagine you are seeing a scaly Pangolin or an iridescent Morpho didius butterfly for the first time. Is the timid Pangolin a pinecone come to life? Is the shimmering butterfly more than a mirage? It is this sense of wonder at the natural world that we will seek to reconnect with through the act of drawing and painting.
For each new set of specimens, different watercolor techniques will be introduced; such as using tonality, achieving various textures and layering to achieve volume. While our studies will be more closely aligned with field work than polished studio work, they will contain the vibrancy of wonder.
Topics could potentially include: crustaceans, butterflies, beetles, minerals, birds, fossils, etc… often including a tour of the historic research collections.