Introduction to�Scientific Sketching

Inspired by naturalist John Muir Laws

Draw what you see…

(not the picture in your head)

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Scientific sketching is….

Accurate

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BIG

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Colorful

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Detailed

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Explained

A

B

C

D

E

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Exercise #1: Sketch a Leaf

Following are several steps to help you sketch a leaf.

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Remember, you’re trying to convey as much information as possible so someone could pick your leaf out of a pile.

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Step 1: Place leaf on paper and make little dots at the edge of each needle. This will give you the overall shape of the leaf

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Step 2: Draw the centerline and connect the points to the center. You don’t have to complete them all to get a sense of the shape.

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Step 3: Choose an area where something unusual is happening on your leaf. Blow it up in a zoom bubble to show more detail.

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Step 4: Add labels to give more detail about color, texture, etc.��Step 5: Write some “I wonder questions” about your leaf�

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Step 6: Add color��Remember to title and date your sketch.

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Use sketching and words to record as much information about your leaf as you can.�

Include at least three “I wonder…” questions about your leaf�

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