Summer 2013 Courses- Field BIO+ART: Collaborative R.N.A. (Research in Nature and Art) and Natural History and Biological Art

To enroll in Natural History and Biological Art and/or Field BIO+ART at MassArt this Summer, visit MassArt's
Professional and Continuing Education website:
http://pce.massart.edu/courses/summer/liberal-arts/index.shtml

Registration Form PDF link:
http://pce.massart.edu/pdf/MassArt-PCE-Summer13reg.pdf


Field BIO+ART: Collaborative R.N.A. (Research in Nature and Art)
Course Description:
This course offers a hands-on, novel exploration of the integration of science, nature, and art. Through scientific methodology and art-making in the field, we will conduct research on ecological, behavioral, and morphological aspects of flora and fauna in their natural habitats. We will utilize the natural habitat as a studio/lab to develop innovative, experimental methods of biological inquiry and hybrid art and experimental art. We will take an unconventional approach by creatively combining various methods of field biology data collection and art-making to conduct novel, collaborative BIO+ART fusion research.
http://fieldbioart.blogspot.com/

Natural History and Biological Art
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to natural variation of biological forms of plants and animals through art and direct observation in the field. Through careful examination, illustration, microscopy, and some photography, we will examine anatomical, behavioral, and ecological similarities and differences between species. We will utilize various media but will focus on classical observation and drawing/painting techniques in the field.

Final BioArt Project: Illustrations of Fauna at the Middlesex Fells

Two direct bioart illustrations and one inspired illustration of fauna at the Middlesex Fells Reservation

Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)- paper collage by Allison Shea

2nd section of Natural History and Biological Illustration offered in late July and early August

For registration see:
 http://pce.massart.edu/courses/summer/index.shtml
Register for either illustration or science credit.

Week 6 The Fells Part IV

Our final trip to the Fells.

Week 5: The Fells Part III

Another round of vert and arthropod sampling.

Week 5: The Backbay Fens

Urban Ecology/Ethology in MassArt's Backyard: examining inverts, aquatic verts, and the charismatic Canadian Geese at the Fens

Week 4: The New England Aquarium

Drawing and painting the biodiversity of aquatic body plans and morphology at the New England Aquarium

Shiner Perch (Cymatogaster aggregata)

Week 3: The Middlesex Fells Reservation

Mini Art-Bioblitz Part II: The American Toad (Bufo americanus)

 

Week 3: The Middlesex Fells Reservation

Mini Art-Bioblitz Part II: The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

Week 3: The Middlesex Fells Reservation

Mini Art-Bioblitz Part II: more sampling, drawing, and painting of inverts at the Fells

 

Student drawing of a meadow plant bug (Leptopterna dolabrata) nymph

Week 3: The Middlesex Fells Reservation

Mini Art-Bioblitz Part I: drawing and painting the invertebrate biodiversity at the Fells

 

 We used sweep netting and insect aspirators ("pooters") to survey inverts from grass patches.

Janfrevic Lujares

Xala

Weevil

Christine Luiggi

Convergence in ornaments: many bird species feature males with bright, colorful feather patterning, ideal for attracting possible female mates. Below are three different species whose feathers all feature different-- but all quite vibrant-- colors: red, purple-green, and yellow. They are the Northern Cardinal, the Violet-Green Swallow, and the Arkansas/Green-Backed Goldfinch, respectively.

Ross Page

Allison Shea

Alanna Robbins

Saúl S. Nava

Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)

Week 2: The Harvard Museum of Natural History

 

Examining convergent evolution of feeding mechanisms, ornaments, and armaments

Week 1: drawing urban flora at MassArt