The Yale Peabody Museum’s Natural Science Illustration Program, begun in 2010, provides both beginner and professional artists opportunities to learn a wide range of art techniques focusing on nature and natural science illustration. Our skilled and experienced instructors provide personalized support in small classes to help you develop your abilities and discover new ways of encountering art and nature. The Peabody’s collections and outdoor locations provide endless subjects for drawing, painting, and sketching. Take an individual class or complete a sequence of classes to earn a Certificate in Natural Science Illustration.
Register using our online form for upcoming classes or browse the course catalog for a full list of offered courses. For information about course content, prerequisites, materials, and other details contact the instructor listed for each course by email directly. Contact us with registration and payment questions.
Courses will meet online or in-person as noted in the course description. In-person courses will take place at the Yale Peabody Community Education Center in Orange, Connecticut.
Some courses have prerequisites or require permission of the instructor to participate. 200 level courses require the successful completion of Drawing I (Course # 101) as a prerequisite.
Certificate Program Requirements
Students who would like to pursue a Certificate in Natural Science Illustration may announce their intention to seek the certificate at any time during their tenure in the program. To earn the certificate, a student must satisfactorily complete a total of 336 course hours. This includes the 10 core courses below (240 hours), a minimum of 93 additional hours of elective courses, and a 3-hour consultation for the final portfolio requirement.
Successful completion of courses for certification credit is based on in-class exercises, critiques, and final project evaluations. Certificate students must complete a final project demonstrating proficiency for each course taken.
Required Core Courses
- Drawing I
- Drawing II
- Pen and Ink I
- Composition and Design
- Colored Pencil I
- Watercolor I
- Vertebrate Anatomy
- Plant Morphology
- Marketing for Illustrators
- Introduction to Adobe Photoshop for Natural Science Illustrators
Sample Elective Courses
- Colored Pencil II
- Watercolor II
- Insects Writ Large
- Field Sketching
- Botanical Illustration
After completing all course work, students seeking the certificate will register for Portfolio Development. In this one-to-one consultation with an NSI instructor, a student will define final portfolio goals to produce 6 new works in a medium and theme that represent their strongest skills. The student also submits an artist’s statement with the final portfolio.
The new works in the completed portfolio are reviewed by a committee of NSI program instructors. Professionals in an allied scientific or artistic field may also review the work. This assessment is made on the student’s artistic skills and knowledge of the subject(s) as expressed in the accompanying artist’s statement. A certificate of completion is awarded after approval of the submitted portfolio. Certificate awardees will have created a professional portfolio that reflects their training under experienced professional artists with certification by the Yale Peabody Museum.
The course work for a Certificate in Natural Science Illustration can usually be completed in 2 to 3 years. At current rates, a student can expect to pay approximately $7,000 in registration fees to complete the minimum number of courses required for the certificate. Art supplies and incidentals are additional.
Enrollment Eligibility
- Courses are designed for adults. All participants must be at least 18 years of age. There will be no exceptions.
Course Prerequisites
- Courses numbered 200 and above require Course 101 Drawing I as a prerequisite. Check individual course descriptions for additional prerequisites.
Location of Classes and Course Information
- All classes are currently offered online via Zoom. When in-person classes resume locations will be included in the course description.
Cancellations & Course Changes
- Courses may be canceled for low enrollment or for any other reason. Registrants will be refunded 100% of the course fee or can receive credit toward a future course.
- The Yale Peabody Museum reserves the right to reschedule courses, withdraw or modify a course, and substitute instructors at its sole discretion. The Museum will make every effort to notify students of such changes in advance.
- In case of class cancellations because of inclement weather, the instructor will make every effort to contact students by email or phone in a timely manner. However, it is the registrant’s responsibility to check with the instructor to confirm whether a class will meet. Instructor contact information is provided to enrolled students before the first class of each course.
Registration & Payment
- Register and pay for courses using our online form. Contact us with any questions about registration and payment.
Refunds
- No refunds will be given to registrants who cancel fewer than 30 days before the course start date. A full refund will be issued for courses cancelled by the Peabody Museum.
Reproduction Rights
- On registration, the Yale Peabody Museum requests permission to photograph both the student’s image or likeness and the student’s artwork created in each course, along with the rights to reproduce these for educational and publicity purposes. The Yale Peabody Museum will not use such images if the student does not grant permission.
Winter/Spring 2023
-
NSI 101X: Drawing I
- Session A: Saturdays, January 28 to March 18, 11 am–2 pm
- Session B: Wednesdays, March 8 to April 26, 5–8 pm
Drawing I is the foundation course for all Natural Science Illustration courses taught at the Peabody Museum. It is required for enrolling in any 200-level course. It is here that the necessary techniques in rendering light on form, value, texture, perspective, proportion, and composition are taught. Students should expect to spend time outside of class working on weekly assignments and a final project. Both sessions meet online.
Instructors:8 weeks; 24 hours total
- Jan Prentice (Session A)prenticestudio@gmail.com
- Betsy Barry (Session B)betsybarrydesigns@gmail.com
Drawing
$480.00
-
NSI 103X: Field Sketching and Nature Journaling
- Session A: Thursdays, March 23 to April 27, 10 am–12 pm
- Session B: Thursdays, May 4 to June 8, 10 am–12 pm
- Session C: Tuesdays, May 9 to June 13, 10 am–12 pm
Learn the basics of observational drawing starting with simple objects so that you can sketch what you find outdoors as well as indoors. Students will be encouraged to carry their sketchbooks and journals wherever they go; and there will be a balance between presentations by the instructor with actual practice, followed by group critiques. Guest naturalists will join some of our critiques so that they can help us identify what we discover in the different seasons. Learn to slow down and observe more deeply as you connect and open up to the ineffable in natural objects through the making of art.
Session 1 (March 23 to April 27) and Session 2 (May 4 to June 10) meet online. Session 3 (May 9 to June 13) meets in-person.
Instructors:6 weeks; 12 hours total
- Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.net
Drawing
$240.00
-
NSI 106X: Sumi-e-Inspired Watercolor
- Monday, January 9 to February 13, 7–9 pm
Winter is an excellent chance to study the fascinating forms and growth habits of trees as well as the surrounding landscapes. Learn how to paint simple landscape backgrounds and how to render tree forms using techniques and approaches inspired by Japanese ink painting. This course meets online.
Instructors:6 weeks; 12 hours total
- Rachel Rasfeldrachelrasfeld@gmail.com
Watercolor
$240.00
-
NSI 107X: Noticing: Poetry and Nature Journaling
- Session A: Thursdays, January 12 to February 2, 10 am–12 pm
- Session B: Mondays, January 23 to February 13, 6–8 pm
We will read and discuss writings with the theme of nature, and we will explore and discover possibilities for creating our own haiku and other simple forms of poetry. We will then see how these words can inspire us when we are enjoying observational drawing, and we will try illustrating our own poems. Both sessions meet online.
Instructors:4 weeks; 8 hours total
- Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.net
Drawing, Other
$160.00
-
NSI 128X: Watercolor Workshop for Beginners
- SESSION A: Tuesdays, March 7 to March 28, 10 am–12 pm
- SESSION B: Tuesdays, April 4 to April 25, 10 am–12 pm
Get a taste of what is involved when you paint with watercolor. The traditional approach to transparent watercolor painting will be taught, with the focus on limited palettes, mixing, layering, and glazing to create luminous, beautiful colors in this special medium.
Session 1 (March 7 to March 28) meets online. Session 2 (April 4 to April 25) meets in-person.
Instructors:4 weeks; 8 hours total
- Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.net
Watercolor, Workshop
$160.00
-
NSI 148X: Illustrating Insects in Colored Pencil
- Tuesdays, March 21 to April 25, 2–5 pm
Explore the intricate and diverse beauty of insects. Learn basic insect anatomy and colored pencil techniques to create detailed drawings. Students will focus on three insect orders: Coleoptera (beetles), Hymenoptera (bees and wasps) and Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). Students will have access to insect specimens from the Peabody Museum’s collections. Drawing experience recommended or permission of the instructor. This course meets in-person.
Instructors:6 weeks; 18 hours total
- Kim Burriskimburr@comcast.net
Colored Pencil
$360.00
-
NSI 152X: Secrets of Trees in Winter: Drawing Twigs and Buds
- Saturday, February 11, 1–5 pm
Botanists identify trees in winter by their dormant twigs and buds. In this workshop, participants will use a dichotomous key to identify a variety of tree species by twig and then create their own drawings of the twigs’ special features to use as a field guide so they can identify tree species outside in their own neighborhood when they are free of leaves. This course meets in-person.
Instructors:1 weeks; 4 hours total
- Susannah Graedelgraedelbirdsong@comcast.net
Drawing
$80.00
-
NSI 165X: Birds & Their Habitats: A Sketchbook Journey
- Fridays, March 3 to April 7, 2–5 pm
Through the eyes of a naturalist and an artist, explore the fascinating lives of birds of the Northeast, documenting their nesting, breeding, and migrating habits via a sketchbook journal. We will record and draw our observations of various common species of birds, their anatomy and their interrelationships with plants. No previous experience is necessary, but Drawing I is recommended. This course meets online.
Instructors:6 weeks; 18 hours total
- Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.com
- Jim Sirchjames.sirch@yale.edu
Drawing
$360.00
-
NSI 169X: Plants and their Pollinators: A Sketchbook Journey
- Fridays, May 5 to June 9, 2–5 pm
Through the eyes of a naturalist and an artist, we will explore the uncommon lifestyles of our common pollinators such as birds, bees, butterflies and moths. We will record and draw our observations of them in a sketchbook-journal format representing each species and their interrelationship with plants. No previous drawing experience is necessary, but Drawing I is recommended. This course meets online.
Instructors:6 weeks; 18 hours total
- Jim Sirchjames.sirch@yale.edu
- Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.com
Drawing
$360.00
-
NSI 171X: How to Draw a Dinosaur
- Tuesdays, March 21 to April 25, 6–8 pm
This class will guide participants through a step-by-step illustration of a well-known dinosaur, Iguanadon. We will begin by studying the dinosaur’s posture and drawing the skeleton. Then we'll add the proposed musculature and finally a body covering. This process can be applied to other prehistoric and modern vertebrate animals. Drawing experience is helpful but not required. This course meets online.
Instructors:6 weeks; 12 hours total
- Armand Morganarmand.morgan@yale.edu
Colored Pencil, Drawing
$240.00
-
NSI 172X: Children’s Books: Science and Art
- Thursdays, February 9 to March 2, 10am–12 pm
We will explore some of the wonderful new books out there and have the opportunity to have a dialogue with some authors and illustrators. We will also learn about the process of creating children’s books by journaling and creating storyboards for our own books! This course meets online.
Instructors:4 weeks; 8 hours total
- Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.net
Other
$160.00
-
NSI 174X: Art of Natural History
- Tuesdays, January 10 to February 28, 5–7 pm
- Tuesdays, May 9 to June 27, 5–7 pm
Examine the social, scientific, religious, political, and economic factors that influenced centuries of cataloging the natural world, from ancient Greece to the Enlightenment. In this course which combines art history with hands-on studio practice, students will learn to identify and imitate the traditional printmaking techniques that are integral to natural history illustration through a series of demonstrations in mixed media. Two hour hands-on sessions will meet weekly while accompanying one-hour recorded presentations on art history will be available for viewing at the student’s convenience. Each week will highlight a different topic in science including botany, ornithology, zoology, anatomy, entomology, cabinets of curiosity, marine life, and geometry in nature. Drawing experience is recommended. This course meets online.
Instructors:8 weeks; 24 hours total
- Kate Samworthsamworthkate@gmail.com
Multi-media
$480.00
-
NSI 175: Illustrating Owls in Ink
- Saturdays, April 1 to April 22, 10 am–1 pm
The enigmatic owl will be the focus of this in-person workshop. Students will be introduced to the anatomy and natural history of owls and depict an owl from the Peabody Museum’s ornithology collection with fineliner pen, using natural science illustration techniques. This course meets in-person.
Instructors:4 weeks; 12 hours total
- Jeanette Comptonjeanettecomptonart@gmail.com
Drawing
$240.00
-
NSI 201X: Drawing II
- SESSION A: Wednesdays, January 4 to March 1, 5–8 pm (No class February 22)
- SESSION B: Sundays, March 5 to April 30, 2–5 pm (No class April 9)
Developing a sensitivity and proficiency in toning with graphite and mechanical pencils is an important skill in natural science illustration. Building on Drawing 1 skills, emphasis will be on creating accurate observations and traditional renderings of botanical and natural science subjects with correct lighting, value, proportion, and scale. Special attention will be given to creating seamless transitions of graphite in toning objects. Both sessions meet online.
Instructors:8 weeks; 24 hours total
- Betsy Barrybetsybarrydesigns@gmail.com
- Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.com
Drawing
$480.00
-
NSI 205X: Pen and Ink
- Sundays, January 8 to February 26, 9 am–12 pm
The beauty and clarity of natural science drawings in ink have been admired for centuries. Students will master the techniques of traditional scientific illustration using both crow quill and technical pens to depict the natural world in stipple and line. This course meets online.
Prerequisite: NSI 201X: Drawing II
Instructors:8 weeks; 24 hours total
- Susannah Graedelgraedelbirdsong@comcast.net
Drawing
$480.00
-
NSI 241X: Colored Pencil I
- Saturdays, March 25 to May 13, 11 am–2 pm
Begin your exploration of color with this approachable medium. In the first few meetings, students will learn and practice key color concepts: primary and secondary color, local color, color temperature, hue, chroma and value. With this background, students will then learn techniques needed to create beautiful, detailed drawings on a variety of drawing surfaces. This course meets online.
Instructors:8 weeks; 24 hours total
- Jan Prenticeprenticestudio@gmail.com
Colored Pencil
$480.00
-
NSI 244X: Watercolor I
- Mondays, April 24 to June 26, 2–5pm (No class May 29 and June 19)
Learn the basic techniques of watercolor painting including color theory, color mixing, washes, layering, dry versus wet, dry brush, and achieving fine detail necessary for natural science subjects. Students will learn how to plan a painting and develop it carefully to capture the beauty of this transparent medium. This course meets online.
Instructors:8 weeks; 24 hours total
- Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.com
Watercolor
$480.00
-
NSI 267X: Introduction to Adobe Photoshop for Natural Science Illustrators
- Thursdays, January 19 to March 9, 5–8 pm
In this 8-week course, students will take their completed illustrations in a traditional medium and manipulate them for publication in Adobe Photoshop. The famously complicated and ever-changing Photoshop palettes and tools will be discussed and the tools most often used by professional scientific illustrators will be covered. After taking this course, the students should have a working knowledge and basic understanding of Adobe Photoshop. This course meets online.
Instructors:8 weeks; 24 hours total
- Ikumi Kayamaikumikayama@gmail.com
Digital
$480.00
-
NSI 270X: Plant Morphology
- Saturdays, April 29 to June 24, 9 am–12 pm
Explore the exquisite variety of form, function, and structural adaptations of flowering plants. Each week students will draw the parts of one or two flowers from different families to produce an artistic botanical plate of each one. When possible, students will dissect live flowers in class. When fresh flowers are unavailable to students, they will work from published references to produce their illustrations. Each class will include a primer on basic botany. This course meets online.
Instructors:8 weeks; 24 hours total
- Susannah Graedelgraedelbirdsong@comcast.net
Drawing, Other
$480.00
-
NSI 284X: Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil
- Tuesdays, January 10 to February 14, 4–7 pm
In this course we will use colored pencil and graphite on paper to create a botanical illustration. Emphasis will be on colored pencil technique creating color studies of the subject using sketches and transferring sketchbook work to a final piece. This course meets online.
Instructors:6 weeks; 18 hours total
- Betsy Barrybetsybarrydesigns@gmail.com
Colored Pencil
$360.00
-
NSI 292X: Portraying Natural Science Subjects in Mixed Media
- Thursdays, June 16 to July 14, 2–5 pm
We will explore the many possibilities of representing natural science subjects in mixed media. Often traditional mediums are used to reproduce accurate renderings of scientific specimens. We will keep an open mind in creating works that are dynamic and accurate by incorporating watercolor, colored pencil, gouache, pastels and inks. This course meets online.
Prerequisites: Watercolor I or Colored Pencil I
Instructors:5 weeks; 15 hours total
- Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.com
Multi-media
$300.00
-
NSI 294X: Marketing for Illustrators
- Thursdays, March 16 to May 4, 5–8 pm
Few artists and illustrators enjoy the business side of art and marketing. Fear comes from the unknown and the unfamiliar; let’s break down those barriers to take the first steps to start and maintain a successful art business. This course will guide the students to break down the overwhelming business marketing principles, terminology, and approaches into something more manageable, fun, and exciting. This course meets online.
Instructors:8 weeks; 24 hours total
- Ikumi Kayamaikumikayama@gmail.com
Workshop
$480.00
-
NSI 101X: Drawing I
Drawing I is the foundation course for all Natural Science Illustration courses taught at the Peabody Museum. It is required for enrolling in any 200-level course. It is here that the necessary techniques in rendering light on form, value, texture, perspective, proportion, and composition are taught. Students should expect to spend time outside of class working on weekly assignments and a final project. Both sessions meet online.
Instructors:
Jan Prentice (Session A)prenticestudio@gmail.comBetsy Barry (Session B)betsybarrydesigns@gmail.comDrawing
$480.00
-
NSI 103X: Field Sketching and Nature Journaling
Learn the basics of observational drawing starting with simple objects so that you can sketch what you find outdoors as well as indoors. Students will be encouraged to carry their sketchbooks and journals wherever they go; and there will be a balance between presentations by the instructor with actual practice, followed by group critiques. Guest naturalists will join some of our critiques so that they can help us identify what we discover in the different seasons. Learn to slow down and observe more deeply as you connect and open up to the ineffable in natural objects through the making of art.
Session 1 (March 23 to April 27) and Session 2 (May 4 to June 10) meet online. Session 3 (May 9 to June 13) meets in-person.
Instructors:
Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.netDrawing
$240.00
-
NSI 104X: Field Sketching and Nature Journaling II
Students will explore, sketch, and journal outside and then will bring some seasonal specimens they find inside to work from. In April and May we will be searching for spring flowers, and we will welcome guest naturalists who will help us identify things that we have discovered. Learn to slow down and observe more deeply as you connect and open up to the ineffable in natural objects through the making of art.
Instructors:
Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.netDrawing
$240.00
-
NSI 106X: Sumi-e-Inspired Watercolor
Winter is an excellent chance to study the fascinating forms and growth habits of trees as well as the surrounding landscapes. Learn how to paint simple landscape backgrounds and how to render tree forms using techniques and approaches inspired by Japanese ink painting. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Rachel Rasfeldrachelrasfeld@gmail.comWatercolor
$240.00
-
NSI 107X: Noticing: Poetry and Nature Journaling
We will read and discuss writings with the theme of nature, and we will explore and discover possibilities for creating our own haiku and other simple forms of poetry. We will then see how these words can inspire us when we are enjoying observational drawing, and we will try illustrating our own poems. Both sessions meet online.
Instructors:
Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.netDrawing
$160.00
-
NSI 128X: Watercolor Workshop for Beginners
Get a taste of what is involved when you paint with watercolor. The traditional approach to transparent watercolor painting will be taught, with the focus on limited palettes, mixing, layering, and glazing to create luminous, beautiful colors in this special medium.
Session 1 (March 7 to March 28) meets online. Session 2 (April 4 to April 25) meets in-person.
Instructors:
Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.netWatercolor
$160.00
-
NSI 130X: Basic Color Theory Workshops
Learn the fundamentals of color theory to enhance your work in any medium. The class will work mostly in water media and colored pencil, but students may use any medium of choice. One 3-hour session.
Instructors:
Bivenne Staigerbivenne@yahoo.comWorkshop
$60.00
-
NSI 145X-A: How to Draw Maple Leaves
Start in on the basics of observational drawing as you draw your own maple leaf. You will have the opportunity to practice gesture and contour drawing after watching a demonstration, and at the end you will be able to discuss all drawings with the group.
Instructors:
Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.netDrawing
$40.00
-
NSI 145X-B: How to Draw a Barred Owl
Capture the essence and beauty of a Barred Owl with simple linework using graphite, charcoal, and carbon pencil. No previous drawing experience is necessary. Open to beginners as well as experienced artists.
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comDrawing
$60.00
-
NSI 145X-C: How to Paint a Blue Jay Feather
Learn the structure of a blue jay feather and how to authentically portray its color and detail in watercolor and colored pencil. No previous drawing/painting experience is necessary. Open to beginners as well as experienced artists.
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comDrawing
$60.00
-
NSI 147X: Gourds in Colored Pencil
Exploring the shapes, colors, lumps and bumps of seasonal gourds! All drawn in colored pencil.
Instructors:
Betsy Barrybetsybarrydesigns@gmail.comColored Pencil
$200.00
-
NSI 148X: Illustrating Insects in Colored Pencil
Explore the intricate and diverse beauty of insects. Learn basic insect anatomy and colored pencil techniques to create detailed drawings. Students will focus on three insect orders: Coleoptera (beetles), Hymenoptera (bees and wasps) and Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). Students will have access to insect specimens from the Peabody Museum’s collections. Drawing experience recommended or permission of the instructor. This course meets in-person.
Instructors:
Kim Burriskimburr@comcast.netColored Pencil
$360.00
-
NSI 152X: Secrets of Trees in Winter: Drawing Twigs and Buds
Botanists identify trees in winter by their dormant twigs and buds. In this workshop, participants will use a dichotomous key to identify a variety of tree species by twig and then create their own drawings of the twigs’ special features to use as a field guide so they can identify tree species outside in their own neighborhood when they are free of leaves. This course meets in-person.
Instructors:
Susannah Graedelgraedelbirdsong@comcast.netDrawing
$80.00
-
NSI 156X: Getting Started in Colored Pencil
Dive right into this beginner class. Guided projects, chosen by the instructor, introduces students to essential colored pencil techniques. No experience necessary.
Instructors:
Jan Prenticeprenticestudio@gmail.comColored Pencil
$180.00
-
NSI 165X: Birds & Their Habitats: A Sketchbook Journey
Through the eyes of a naturalist and an artist, explore the fascinating lives of birds of the Northeast, documenting their nesting, breeding, and migrating habits via a sketchbook journal. We will record and draw our observations of various common species of birds, their anatomy and their interrelationships with plants. No previous experience is necessary, but Drawing I is recommended. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comJim Sirchjames.sirch@yale.eduDrawing
$360.00
-
NSI 168: Birds' Nests in Ink
The shadows and intricacies of bird nests lend themselves beautifully to the medium of pen and ink. This workshop will explore the process of drawing a nest from life using a Micron pen.
NOTE: This course will be taught in a Yale classroom, in-person only
Instructors:
Jeanette Comptonjeanettecomptonart@gmail.comDrawing
$180.00
-
NSI 169X: Plants and their Pollinators: A Sketchbook Journey
Through the eyes of a naturalist and an artist, we will explore the uncommon lifestyles of our common pollinators such as birds, bees, butterflies and moths. We will record and draw our observations of them in a sketchbook-journal format representing each species and their interrelationship with plants. No previous drawing experience is necessary, but Drawing I is recommended. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Jim Sirchjames.sirch@yale.eduDorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comDrawing
$360.00
-
NSI 170X: Virtual Visits to the Yale University Art Gallery
During each class session we will focus on different themes in nature by looking at drawings and watercolors from the Yale University Art Gallery’s collection. We will discuss the works we are focusing on as a group, as the instructor facilitates. A staff member from the YUAG will join us for the discussion and Q&A in the last half-hour. During each month the students will be encouraged to explore the illustrated YUAG online catalog for added information as they write and sketch in their journals.
Instructors:
Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.netOther
$160.00
-
NSI 171X: How to Draw a Dinosaur
This class will guide participants through a step-by-step illustration of a well-known dinosaur, Iguanadon. We will begin by studying the dinosaur’s posture and drawing the skeleton. Then we'll add the proposed musculature and finally a body covering. This process can be applied to other prehistoric and modern vertebrate animals. Drawing experience is helpful but not required. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Armand Morganarmand.morgan@yale.eduColored Pencil
$240.00
-
NSI 172X: Children’s Books: Science and Art
We will explore some of the wonderful new books out there and have the opportunity to have a dialogue with some authors and illustrators. We will also learn about the process of creating children’s books by journaling and creating storyboards for our own books! This course meets online.
Instructors:
Linda Millerlindaamiller@snet.netOther
$160.00
-
NSI 174X: Art of Natural History
Examine the social, scientific, religious, political, and economic factors that influenced centuries of cataloging the natural world, from ancient Greece to the Enlightenment. In this course which combines art history with hands-on studio practice, students will learn to identify and imitate the traditional printmaking techniques that are integral to natural history illustration through a series of demonstrations in mixed media. Two hour hands-on sessions will meet weekly while accompanying one-hour recorded presentations on art history will be available for viewing at the student’s convenience. Each week will highlight a different topic in science including botany, ornithology, zoology, anatomy, entomology, cabinets of curiosity, marine life, and geometry in nature. Drawing experience is recommended. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Kate Samworthsamworthkate@gmail.comMulti-media
$480.00
-
NSI 175: Illustrating Owls in Ink
The enigmatic owl will be the focus of this in-person workshop. Students will be introduced to the anatomy and natural history of owls and depict an owl from the Peabody Museum’s ornithology collection with fineliner pen, using natural science illustration techniques. This course meets in-person.
Instructors:
Jeanette Comptonjeanettecomptonart@gmail.comDrawing
$240.00
-
NSI 177X: Digital Techniques Workshop: Want to Build a Website? Start Here!
Are you considering creating an online portfolio or a website? This course is for those who have yet to have their own online space or are looking to reboot their outdated website. Since everyone's needs and goals will be different, this course will guide the students one step at a time to narrow down what type of website service/platform would match their needs while considering comfort levels in the digital space.
Instructors:
Ikumi Kayamaikumikayama@gmail.comDigital
$80.00
-
NSI 201X: Drawing II
Developing a sensitivity and proficiency in toning with graphite and mechanical pencils is an important skill in natural science illustration. Building on Drawing 1 skills, emphasis will be on creating accurate observations and traditional renderings of botanical and natural science subjects with correct lighting, value, proportion, and scale. Special attention will be given to creating seamless transitions of graphite in toning objects. Both sessions meet online.
Instructors:
Betsy Barrybetsybarrydesigns@gmail.comDorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comDrawing
$480.00
-
NSI 204X: Drawing and Painting Birds in Watercolor
This course will introduce students to the fascinating world of drawing and painting birds. To better understand how birds behave, a basic foundation of avian anatomy will be introduced, using taxidermy mounts and skins from the Yale Peabody Museum’s vertebrate zoology collection. We will learn how to observe the structure, behavior, and coloration of various bird species by field sketching and painting birds from live video cams. Hands-on demonstrations will be included, as well as individual guided instruction and critiques.
Prerequisite: NSI 244X: Watercolor I
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comMulti-media
$360.00
-
NSI 205X: Pen and Ink
The beauty and clarity of natural science drawings in ink have been admired for centuries. Students will master the techniques of traditional scientific illustration using both crow quill and technical pens to depict the natural world in stipple and line. This course meets online.
Prerequisite: NSI 201X: Drawing II
Instructors:
Susannah Graedelgraedelbirdsong@comcast.netDrawing
$480.00
-
NSI 216X: Composition and Design
Learning the elements of composition and design is essential for completing successful paintings and illustrations. Exploring Notan composition, spatial relationships, the golden mean, balance, and structure, we will create dynamic studies that will serve as templates for final watercolor, colored pencil, and mixed media compositions.
Prerequisites: NSI 101X: Drawing I & NSI 201X: Drawing II, NSI 244X: Watercolor I or NSI 244X: Colored Pencil I
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comColored Pencil
$480.00
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NSI 225X: Colored Pencil II
Learn the techniques of applying layers of delicate tones with colored pencil to create velvety finishes reminiscent of early botanical paintings and scientific drawings. We will experiment with tinted papers, solvents, drafting film, and burnishing techniques to achieve these dramatic effects.
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comColored Pencil
$480.00
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NSI 241X: Colored Pencil I
Begin your exploration of color with this approachable medium. In the first few meetings, students will learn and practice key color concepts: primary and secondary color, local color, color temperature, hue, chroma and value. With this background, students will then learn techniques needed to create beautiful, detailed drawings on a variety of drawing surfaces. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Jan Prenticeprenticestudio@gmail.comColored Pencil
$480.00
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NSI 244X: Watercolor I
Learn the basic techniques of watercolor painting including color theory, color mixing, washes, layering, dry versus wet, dry brush, and achieving fine detail necessary for natural science subjects. Students will learn how to plan a painting and develop it carefully to capture the beauty of this transparent medium. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comWatercolor
$480.00
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NSI 255X: Online Open Critiques & Guidance
Whether you are taking classes for your own enjoyment or to complete the Certificate program, this is your opportunity to receive personal guidance from an instructor on a work in progress or a final course project that you have not submitted. You will benefit from the instructor's personal insight and discussion of other student work. All media will be considered.
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comJan Prenticeprenticestudio@gmail.comSusannah Graedelgraedelbirdsong@comcast.netLinda Millerlindaamiller@snet.netBivenne Staigerbivenne@yahoo.comOther
$50.00
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NSI 261X: Vertebrate Anatomy
In this on-line class, students will observe and sketch specimens from virtual 3D models as well as from some of the Peabody Museum's vertebrate zoology collection. Areas of focus will be the anatomy and musculature of the cat and the horse. To complete the course, students will be responsible for an in-depth study of the skeletal and musculature development for a vertebrate of their choice.
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comArmand Morganarmand.morgan@yale.eduDrawing
$480.00
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NSI 267X: Introduction to Adobe Photoshop for Natural Science Illustrators
In this 8-week course, students will take their completed illustrations in a traditional medium and manipulate them for publication in Adobe Photoshop. The famously complicated and ever-changing Photoshop palettes and tools will be discussed and the tools most often used by professional scientific illustrators will be covered. After taking this course, the students should have a working knowledge and basic understanding of Adobe Photoshop. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Ikumi Kayamaikumikayama@gmail.comDigital
$480.00
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NSI 270X: Plant Morphology
Explore the exquisite variety of form, function, and structural adaptations of flowering plants. Each week students will draw the parts of one or two flowers from different families to produce an artistic botanical plate of each one. When possible, students will dissect live flowers in class. When fresh flowers are unavailable to students, they will work from published references to produce their illustrations. Each class will include a primer on basic botany. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Susannah Graedelgraedelbirdsong@comcast.netDrawing
$480.00
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NSI 284X: Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil
In this course we will use colored pencil and graphite on paper to create a botanical illustration. Emphasis will be on colored pencil technique creating color studies of the subject using sketches and transferring sketchbook work to a final piece. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Betsy Barrybetsybarrydesigns@gmail.comColored Pencil
$360.00
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NSI 285X: Painting Creatures in Watercolor
Expand on your drawing and watercolor painting skills to paint more complex portraits of various creatures in their natural settings in watercolor. We will paint a different species each week via EZoom; one motif may carry into a second week if complex. Use a phone or document camera over the workspace if possible.
Prerequisite: NSI 244 Watercolor I
Instructors:
Bivenne Staigerbivenne@yahoo.comWatercolor
$360.00
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NSI 286X: Watercolor Workshop - Flowers and Insects
Create stunning watercolor paintings of flowers with and without insects. Learn how to complete each painting in specific stages by using painting elements to emphasize what is key. Student prepares a contour drawing from motif provided by the instructor before each class.
Instructors:
Bivenne Staigerbivenne@yahoo.comWatercolor
$180.00
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NSI 286X-A: Watercolor Workshop: Painting Baby Animals in Watercolor
Expand on your drawing and watercolor painting skills to paint complete portraits of baby animals in their natural settings in watercolor. We will paint a representative of as many different animal orders as possible or at least a different species each week via Zoom; one motif may carry into the second week if complex. Use a phone or document camera over the workspace if possible.
Instructors:
Bivenne Staigerbivenne@yahoo.comWatercolor
$360.00
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NSI 292X: Portraying Natural Science Subjects in Mixed Media
We will explore the many possibilities of representing natural science subjects in mixed media. Often traditional mediums are used to reproduce accurate renderings of scientific specimens. We will keep an open mind in creating works that are dynamic and accurate by incorporating watercolor, colored pencil, gouache, pastels and inks. This course meets online.
Prerequisites: Watercolor I or Colored Pencil I
Instructors:
Dorie Petrochkodoripbird1@gmail.comMulti-media
$300.00
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NSI 294X: Marketing for Illustrators
Few artists and illustrators enjoy the business side of art and marketing. Fear comes from the unknown and the unfamiliar; let’s break down those barriers to take the first steps to start and maintain a successful art business. This course will guide the students to break down the overwhelming business marketing principles, terminology, and approaches into something more manageable, fun, and exciting. This course meets online.
Instructors:
Ikumi Kayamaikumikayama@gmail.comWorkshop
$480.00
Office of School & Teacher Engagement
+1 203 432 3775
peabody.education@yale.edu
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Contact the Education Office for questions about registration and payment. For questions about course content, prerequisites, and other details please contact the instructor listed for each course.