Artist and science illustrator David Wheeler, shown here in his Harpswell studio, is leading a workshop at Damariscotta River Association on Saturday, Jan. 6.
Damariscotta River Association will host a scientific drawing workshop led by artist and science illustrator David Wheeler on Saturday, Jan. 6 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta. The workshop is appropriate for beginners, students, and practicing professionals alike.
The workshop is open to anyone age 12 and up. Space is limited. To help with planning, participants should register by Tuesday, Jan. 2 by calling 563-1393. The cost of the workshop is $30, or $20 for DRA members.
Who might be interested in a science illustration workshop? By way of explanation, Wheeler quotes author Frances Zweifel: “This workshop is ‘for the biologist who is not an artist and the artist who is not a biologist.’”
Wheeler teaches close-observation drawing – with tools, techniques, instruments, microscopic analysis, and precision measuring. He will bring with him a large collection of exotic shells, whale bones, and more, along with special pens and an assortment of pencils. Wheeler is enthusiastic about guiding participants as they explore the “confluence of science and art,” as he put it.
Every summer, Wheeler also teaches a five-day natural-science illustration workshop at Darling Marine Center in Walpole. DRA’s workshop on Jan. 6 offers a good way to “try on” the topic, for those who might be interested in the week-long program. For more information on the summer workshop at Darling Marine Center, go to dmc.umaine.edu/education/summer-workshops.
A professional marine scientist illustrator who draws for scientists, Wheeler has taught science illustration workshops for many different groups along both coasts of the U.S., from Maine to Alaska to the Caribbean. He and his wife live in Harpswell, where they run Habitat: Open Ocean, a museum and learning lab focused on marine science illustration, marine studies, and art/science education. To learn more, go to oceancoastsciencedrawing.com.
