I usually rely on science to learn more about an animal or plant. I instinctively scour scientific articles, my animal physiology textbook, or field guides to answer questions. But I recently discovered how much I can learn by dipping my toes into art.
I’ve always brushed off any artistic ability with a shrug and the classic “I can’t draw” excuse. Despite my doubts, I checked out a book at the library last winter and started to learn a few tricks. I was surprised to find that drawing didn’t require innate skill; there are sets of rules that apply to any subject. Soon I was whipping out paper towel tubes and cans of beans by following the rules of cylinders. I was ready to test my pencil on a more interesting tube: a snake.
Contour lines are the magic element that can turn a flat noodle into a 3D snake. Picture the ribbing on a can of beans. At eye level, the grooves appear as straight horizontal lines. But if I tilt the can away from my eye, the lines start to curve and create the rounded shape. By following the contour lines and adding a bit of shading, the snake comes to life!
Translating an animal to paper requires paying attention and noticing how the rat snake’s pattern or head shape differs from other snakes. I may not call myself an artist yet, but I love the way drawing makes me look – really look – at how nature is put together.
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