
WORKSHOPS
Workshops Registration: Full Day, $100; Half Day, $50.
SATURDAY, JULY 24th

Workshop limit: 15
6:00–10:00 am PDT / 9:00 am–1:00 pm EDT
Intro to ZBrush
Brandon Holt, St. George's University
ZBrush can be intimidating when you first launch the software, but after taking this workshop, you will be excited to open the program and start sculpting every day. In this workshop, you will be guided through the basic user interface and shown how you can create almost anything starting from a sphere. Once your model has taken its form, you will then be shown how to paint using polypaint and render your final model using BPR and the ZBrush to Photoshop Plugin.
(Image: 'Arion rufus, roundback slug' This model was sculpted and painted within Pixologic ZBrush in preparation for the Intro to ZBrush workshop. ©2021, Brandon Holt MSMI, CMI)
Materials: Latest Version of ZBrush Latest Version of Photoshop Drawing Tablet (Wacom Intuos) Access to the Internet
Amanda DeGrace, Amapola Studio
As an extension of GNSI Symposia, GNSI member Amanda DeGrace returns with a full workshop that includes writing prompts and mission-building exercises!
Grant writing may seem outside the realm of your typical independent illustrator. But with guidance and writing prompt exercises, it might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to jumpstart that creative project you’ve always wanted to tackle. DeGrace draws on her considerable experience securing grants to revitalize the downtown of her native New Bedford, MA, to offer us insight into where to look, how to present your mission, and consider partnerships that may ultimately land you your dream project. This workshop will be split into parts with lectures and guided prompts. All students will receive a packet to jump-start a full proposal and some may share their responses for in-class feedback.
Materials:
Printed packet of exercises for guided prompts
Workshop limit: 15
12:00–4:00 pm PDT / 3:00–7:00 pm EDT
Mesa Schumacher, Mesa Studios
Want to start a science art business, get your dream job, or move forward on your educational journey, or improve your client relationships? Long-time freelance artist Mesa Schumacher will cover the basics of presenting yourself and your work, business, negotiation, contracts, client relationships, and answer your questions about how you can move forward in your business journey.
(Image: Unraveling the complexities of science art business! Mesa Schumacher ©2021)
Materials:
A digital portfolio, a short professional statement, and a goal for where they'd like to be in 2 years.
Workshop limit: 15
8:30 am–5:00 pm PDT / 11:30 am–8:00 pm EDT
Dry Media for Field Sketching
Scott Rawlins, Arcadia University
A dancer stretching at a barre or a pianist practicing scales and arpeggios are examples of how certain kinds of artists “tune-up” and center themselves. The same is true for visual artists – there are “exercises” that help us to remain loose both physically and mentally. Field sketching is one of these. The act of quickly recording subjects in situ, without the benefit of special materials and equipment not only helps to maintain good hand/eye coordination but also connects us with the tradition of visually recording data at their sources. Ultimately, these sketches represent a combination of many vital skills for scientific artists including accurate observation, attention to composition, and quick rendering.
Participants in this workshop will revisit the conditions and processes associated with field sketching, and learn how to combine graphite and pastel dust to quickly achieve fresh line drawings tinted with pastels. Though most of the instruction will take place in a (virtual) classroom setting, participants will also be given an opportunity to engage in a short field trip of their own design.
(Image: Scenes from the Atacama Desert in Chile ©2021 S. Rawlins)
Materials: Graphite pencils -- one each: 6H or 7H, HB, 2B
Erasers -- one each: kneaded and vinyl (which could be a Mono Zero Elastomer eraser)
Drawing surface -- 2 to 3 sheets of vellum Bristol board, but any white paper with a slight tooth will suffice (small sketchbook size, no larger than 9" x 12")
Pastels (NOT oil pastels!) -- one small box (12 or more sticks)
X-Acto knife or paring knife
Small brushes (2 or 3) -- #3 round, #2 flat, #4 round
Q-tip or equivalent
Tracing paper -- 1 sheet (8.5" x 11" or 9" x12")
Dust mask if inhaling pastel dust is a concern
Optional: a folding seat for outdoor use, insect repellant, sunscreen, water bottle (with water), carrier bag for supplies, workable fixative (1 can), camera
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