Blue Mountains News

A fascinating intersection between science and art, the practice of scientific illustration is an accurate and often artistic visual interpretation of the natural environment and its application to a range of ecological processes and environments.

The first workshop, Birds and Bones, happening on 18 August will use a range of taxidermy (predominantly birds from the local environment), and skeleton specimens from various sources to depict the forms and biology of each animal. Plant Studies on 25 August will use specimens from the heritage gardens of the Gallery to depict the form, colour, and details included in a variety of plant species.

Exploring the use of fine-line pens and watercolour paints on paper, the scientific Illustration workshops will focus on making accurate observations and representing the unique forms and textures in different skeleton specimens and plant species to provide an exploration and appreciation into what it takes to draw these amazingly complex and beautiful illustrations seen in textbooks, journals and online. 

Details for the two Scientific Illustration Workshops are as follows;

CURIOUS Art & Science returns to Penrith for National Science Week;
Scientific Illustration Workshops

Learn how to draw both animal and plant species!

18 + 25 August

Presented by Nepean Science Hub and Penrith Regional Gallery

Birds & Bones: Zoological Illustration

18 August 2019, 10 am to 4 pm

Cost: $90, includes lunch from Café at Lewers.

Ages 16+. No drawing experience required.

Plant Studies: Botanical Illustration

25 August 2019, 10 am to 4 pm

Cost: $90, includes lunch from Café at Lewers.

Ages 16+. No drawing experience required.

Through an artistic lens, Penrith Regional Gallery’s Scientific Illustration workshops will offer participants an experience of scientific discovery that is both creative and inspiring.

Bookings are essential for all workshops: call 4735 1100 or email email

About Angus Fisher – workshop teacher and guide

As Natural sciences illustrator and Lecturer in Fine Arts at The National Art School, Angus has plenty of experience delivering scientific illustration workshops for diverse community groups. Angus’s art practice has always dealt with nature and humankind’s relationship with the natural world.

For Angus, the idea of nature is a not a static term, but an evolving concept. Through the detailed study of history and natural subject matter, his work grapples with the idea of how nature exists, and has existed, in human imagination. Angus does not only investigate ecology through his subjects, but the evolving attitudes and changing philosophical interpretations of the wider natural world. Primarily working with etching and drawing, he utilises traditional working techniques, methodologies and aesthetics to place his work in direct connection to historical contexts and traditions.

This CURIOUS Art & Science event is part of National Science Week, presented by the Nepean Science Hub and Penrith Regional Gallery, with support from Celestino Developments and Inspiring Australia NSW as part of its Year-Round Program initiative.