Natural History Illustration: Birds and Mammals

Overview

This practical painting course introduces the core techniques and observational skills required for accurate natural history illustration, with a particular focus on birds and mammals. Participants will learn how to depict anatomical form, distinctive features, textures, and colour with precision, while also developing the ability to capture the General Impression of Size and Shape (GISS) - an essential skill for identifying and recording wildlife observed in the field. The course will explore the work of both historical and contemporary natural history illustrators and naturalists, examining their artistic approaches, scientific accuracy, and contributions to the discipline. Through practical studio exercises, demonstrations, and guided tuition, students will develop confidence in observing, recording, and painting specimens to a high standard.

Ideal for students of field biology, ecology, conservation, and fine art, as well as anyone wishing to strengthen their observational drawing and visual recording skills, the course combines artistic practice with an appreciation of natural history. Individual guidance and feedback will be provided throughout, and students will have the opportunity to work directly from specimens from the IBERS Museum collection, enabling close study of form, structure, and detail.

Programme

Session 1: Introduction to Natural History Illustration Birds.

Introduction
- Course overview and historical development of natural history illustration.
- Introduction to key historical and contemporary natural history illustrators.

Throughout the session, demonstrations and individual guidance will enable students to develop skills in:
- Bird anatomy, structure and proportion.
- Recognising silhouettes, key features and characteristics of common bird species.
- Observational drawing techniques and the accurate depiction of plumage, patterns and texture.
- Materials and media used in natural history illustration.

Feathers in Focus: Tutor demonstrations followed by practical work exploring:
- Feather and wing structure.
- Techniques for painting wings and feathers.
- Colour mixing for subtle plumage, including "little brown jobs".
- Painting white plumage and creating tonal variation.
- Colour mixing for black and dark-coloured birds.

Session 2: Birds in the Field

Tutor demonstrations followed by practical work exploring:-

Drawing and painting birds in flight from a range of viewpoints.
- Understanding and depicting the General Impression of Size and Shape (GISS).
- Field sketching and painting techniques (weather permitting).

Discussion: The role of contemporary natural history illustration in science, education and conservation.

Tutor demonstrations followed by practical work exploring:
- Painting iridescent feathers and vibrant plumage.
- Depicting fine details including eyes, beaks, legs and feet.
- Integrating structure, colour and detail into a finished bird illustration.

Session 3: Introduction to Mammal Illustration

Presentation and discussion: Inspiration from historical and contemporary wildlife artists.

Throughout the session, demonstrations and individual guidance will enable students to develop skills in:
- Mammal anatomy, structure and proportion.
- Identifying the key characteristics of common mammal species.
- Creating convincing form, volume and texture.
Observational drawing techniques for mammals.

Discussion: Artistic approaches to depicting mammals.
Techniques for sketching and painting mammals from life in the field, with an emphasis on movement and behaviour.

Texture in Focus: Tutor demonstrations followed by practical work exploring:
- Techniques for painting short and long fur.
- Depicting patterned coats.
- Painting wool and fleece.
- Rendering skin and other surface textures.

Session 4: Developing Finished Natural History Illustrations

Students will refine and complete their illustrations by focusing on:
- Accurate depiction of facial features, including eyes, ears, noses and feet.
- Integrating anatomy, texture and colour into cohesive illustrations.
- Indicating habitat, food sources and ecological context to enhance scientific communication.

Assessment: During the second half of the session, students will present a portfolio of work completed during the taught sessions and through self-directed study. Assessment will focus on the development of observational skills, technical competence, accuracy, and the effective application of natural history illustration techniques.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Capture the movement and general appearance/ characteristics of birds and mammals when drawing and painting on location and working from life.
2. Use a range of watercolour and drawing techniques to accurately depict the form, texture, colours, patterns and details of a variety of bird and mammal species.
3. Demonstrate problem solving and the exploration of techniques, colour mixing and materials.
4. Demonstrate analysis of the role and artwork of historical and contemporary Natural History painters

Assessments

1. Study Book. This will demonstrate exploration and further experimentation of the variety of techniques, materials and methods covered during the course. (70%)
2. Painting. (30%)

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.