Friday, May 12, 2017

Botanical Illustrations

Botanical Illustrations are a perfect marriage of science and art. Accurate detail for each part of the plant is essential for a good illustration.


My school's horticulture teacher, Keith Blackwell, let me bring students to the green house at the beginning of the week and  allowed them to borrow a plant to illustrate. They were responsible for learning the name and characteristics. 
Some of these include: Cuban Oregano, Hen and Chick, Azalea, Rosemary, Fern, Jade Plant, Snake Plant, and Confederate Rose

Some of my low vision students used the iPad to photograph and magnify (zoomed in on) the image. This student is using a magnifying glass with a special light for the drawing itself. People who are legally blind work from parts to a whole, rather than starting with the big picture and than moving to individual parts.
A couple of my students described how the plant felt, and then painted the drawing I did of their plant in hot glue.
Other students were able to complete the assignment without any help or special equipment.  But I think each student felt a sense of accomplishment. I asked Mr. Blackwell to look at each finished piece and name the plant that was represented to ensure that they met the assignment criteria. I am so thankful for great colleagues who are happy to collaborate on interdisciplinary lessons.  This is how our students grow!

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