Natural History Illustration: Birds in Flight

Overview

In this module we will be looking at the beauty of birds in flight, you will be creating your own visual diary showing your research and observations from the field. This 5-credit module is suitable for more experienced artists in watercolour and drawing techniques, within the study of Natural History Illustration and for students who wish to hone their observational drawing and painting skills and create accurate paintings with fine detail and colours. The module will cover drawing with pencil, ink, and watercolour painting techniques. There will also be colour mixing and form drawing techniques with ideas for drawing in the field and creating an informed and accurate visual diary. There will be guides on observation and interesting discussions on habitat and Ecology.

This online module will also contain various step by step demonstrations of techniques with useful hints and information.

Each unit will enable you to practice techniques, develop your ideas, reflect upon what you have learnt and conduct research to complement and extend your study. Students should aim to complete at least 50 hours of study to get the most out of this module and to fulfil the criteria for the course. All module content is accessed through our online learning portal; you need access to a computer, camera/camera phone and to be proficient in using email.

Programme

In this module we are going to observe the wonder that is Birds in Flight, you will be documenting your own specimens and be able to sketch and paint your visual journey. We will go through drawing and painting techniques to create your own detailed and accurate images and we will have discussions on Ecology and Habitat as part of your research. We will also discuss flight and the science behind it. All of this will be collected into a Visual Diary. You will also create a flipbook presentation to show off your research and the drawings and paintings you have created to show your understanding of your chosen Bird in Flight.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Demonstrate an ability to draw a variety of subjects directly from observation with accuracy and detail, with attention to their textures and tonal contrasts.
2. Demonstrate the painting techniques shown and an understanding of applying these techniques.
3. Create an interesting and engaging Visual Diary to show a progression of research and observations in the field, all using the drawing and painting techniques shown.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the Science behind flight and show an understanding of flight and habitats in their artworks.
5. Create a digital Flipbook to show the story of their Visual Diary's in an engaging way.

Assessments

1. Visual diary/sketchbook (90%)
2. Create a digital flipbook (10%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

A list of materials, not included in the course fees, will be available prior to the course start date.