Process
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This Process page will take you step by step through the WebQuest. Follow the steps in order and remember to blog periodically in the forum throughout the task.
Blog First Go to the forum and introduce yourself. Include where you are from, what season it is, and note any unique current weather conditions that you think may effect plants in your region (i.e. drought, excess rain, etc.). Share in the forum, what class/club you are in or what brings you to this web quest. Feel free to include any initial thoughts you might have about botanical illustration. Remember to ask some questions to get the dialog going. General Research Now, go to the Resource page to familiarize yourself with the concept and resources associated with plant morphology. Nature Exploration First, you need to familiarize yourself with your natural botanical environment. Take a walk outside in your yard or neighborhood. Plants are quite adaptive and can be found even in the most urban environments. Remember to be observant of plants large and small- from giant conifer (evergreens) on a rural farm to the mosses between the cracks of sidewalks in a high traffic city environment. Think about and begin to plan your drawing as you walk. Select a Specimen Look for a plant with a considerable degree of detail. You might choose a single large flower, a stem with leaves, a tiny moss, or entire vegetable plants- roots included. Remember, you must specify 4-6 plant parts in your finished drawing. Once you have narrowed down your selection to one or two possibilities, stop. Do not remove the plant(s), from the original setting yet. Take some notes of the environment where it was found, as you will need this to share in the forum. See the worksheet on the resource page for required details. Now, carefully take the subject back to the drawing board. Make sure you have permission before you remove it! Photograph Your Subject (optional) Place your subject in a vase of water or lay it out as necessary to examine it carefully. Because botanical Illustration depends on a live subject and plants can wither at different degrees you must work quickly to be certain the specimen is at it's best when you draw it. Several photographs (in good lighting), some overall shots and some close-ups will document your work for reference, just in case it wilts. Specific Research Using the internet, identify the common name and botanical name of plant. Research your plant the plant and review the online resources. Identifying which parts you will emphasize will help you plan the layout of your drawing. Draw Using a technical pen or quill pen and a semi-absorbent paper with a smooth finish draw your subject, keeping in mind which parts you will be identifying and labeling in the final piece. Some Technical drawings may involve further dissection of the plant to reveal more detail. See the examples and watch the video on plant dissection if you have not already. Remember to allow plenty of space for title, labeling and 2 inches around the subject as white space. Label Your Drawing Start with very light pencil and work carefully to accurately label your drawing. Double check spelling of your newly learned botanical terms. When you are satisfied with the layout, use you technical pen for final labeling. When the ink is dry, go back with a kneaded eraser to remove extraneous pencil marks. You may add a title header in a more decorative style or simply add the botanical name of your plant near the bottom edge. Remember to sign and date your work. Scan and Share Scan and submit your drawing to the online gallery following the guidelines on the Gallery page. This is your chance to contribute to a greater body of work. Blog Again You are free to blog at any time during this project. Be sure to blog/participate in the forum at least twice, before you begin and after you complete your upload to the gallery. |