2022 AMI Online Salon
Field Notes on Wood Duck Feathers
Project Details
- Entrant Name: Katelyn Sima
- Client: Iowa State University Biological Pre-medical Illustration Program, Faculty Advisor Professor Kim Moss
- Copyright: Katelyn Sima, 2022
- Medium/software used: Graphite on Bristol
- Final presentation format: Gallery Exhibition
- Primary Audience: General audience
Project Description
This illustration was produced for a scientific illustration course assignment, asking us to portray our own interpretation of combining science and art. The learning objectives included working in graphite continuous tone from self-provided objects via direct observation, save one object which was to be imagined and visualized with correct light on form to fit within the scene. The intended output is for gallery display and general viewing. My solution for this visual communication problem was to capture a facet of science, specifically ornithology, and my love for watercolor painting in creating a field sketchbook. I grew up around lakes and waterways as a child, so watching ducks waddling through my backyard in the spring and summer months was one of my first connections with nature. This illustration shows my research into feather patterns, as well as the anatomy of a feather. The idea of form fits function is put into action with the addition of feathers floating down the page and is my imagined element in the scene.It is my hope that people viewing this work will be inspired to observe organisms carefully, notice the intricacy of their amazing forms, and capture their own interpretations in a field notebook. Furthermore, they may be inspired to engage in conservation actions.
