Angela Palmer, Self-Portrait, ABDUA:31969
Mapping is at the core of Palmer's work and using MRI, CT and other scanning methods, she has adapted a technique to show objects floating as three-dimensional drawings in glass cubes.
The Big Draw Theme for 2021: MAKE THE CHANGE
The Big Draw festival theme for 2021 is MAKE THE CHANGE. The festival kicks off in October. Until then, you can dip into our online drawing sessions, challenges and games inspired by last year's festival.
Pick up a pencil, grab some paper, have a doodle - October is Big Draw month!
Welcome to our activity page inspiring you to draw from the UoA Collections. There are fun activities to do from home and we hope you will be able to visit us again soon.
The Big Green Draw: A Climate of Change
In 2020 The Big Green Draw Festival #ClimateOfChange focuses on the relationship between people and our living environments and ecosystems; highlighting how we live today and the ways in which we do and do not harmonise with nature. The Big Green Draw is eager to help showcase mindsets and actions that proactively support positive symbiosis between people and the Earth. So this is a great year to bring your community together, draw, explore, get out and about, kick start a new creative you and be part of The World's Biggest community of drawing enthusiasts!
#BigGreenDraw #ClimateofChange #BigDrawTurns20 The Big Draw
Drawing Inspiration
The University of Aberdeen collections include innovative and inspiring drawings. Here are a few highlights that we hope will inspire you to draw!
Take a look at the 473 artworks from the UoA Collections on the Art UK website. Art UK is the online home for every public art collection in the UK.
Robert Wilson: Egypt and Nubia, MS 415
Wilson’s travel journals include archaeological expeditions into the Near and Middle East, 1820–1822. Detailed descriptions and explanations of his excavation techniques are supported by drawings.
Marian Leven and Will Maclean, Waterlines, ABDUA:30129
This sculpture is based on the Aberdeen ship ‘Thermopylae’ considered to be the fastest sailing ship ever built. The shape and incised lines also recall the Pictish standing stones of Aberdeenshire.
James Cowie, Set Square, ABDUA:30188
Cowie (1886 – 1956) was an Aberdeenshire-born painter and teacher. His strongly linear draughtsmanship was based on having studied the Old Masters and making many preparatory drawings.
Drawing From The Collections
Join us on Wellbeing Wednesdays as we have a go at sketching some objects from the collections. This isn't about creating a masterpiece, it's about enjoying spending a few restful minutes with pencil and paper.
Drawing From The Collections
Join us on Wellbeing Wednesdays as we have a go at sketching some objects from the collections. This isn't about creating a masterpiece, it's about enjoying spending a few restful minutes with pencil and paper.
Drawing without Seeing
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We have 4 drawing challenges for you to have a go at.
We describe an object from the collection; you draw it.
How close did you get?
Drawing from the Collections
Join us on Wellbeing Wednesdays as we have a go at sketching some objects from the collections. This isn't about creating a masterpiece, it's about enjoying spending a few restful minutes with pencil and paper.
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717) Illustrator of Insect Life
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717) Illustrator of Insect Life
Maria Sibylla Merian was a 17th Century female Naturalist, Entomologist and Botanical Illustrator and is considered one of the greatest ever botanical artists.
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Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717) Illustrator of Insect Life: Caterpillars
The University of Aberdeen's Special Collections holds a copy of her publication entitled 'The Miraculous Transformation and Unusual Flower-Food of Caterpillars'.
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Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717) Illustrator of Insect Life: Metamorphosis
Maria Sibylla Merian was a woman of both Art and Science. She was the first to record metamorphosis, contradicting contemporary notions about how insects developed.
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Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717) Illustrator of Insect Life: Entomology
She recorded and illustrated the life cycles of 186 insect species.
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Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717) Illustrator of Insect Life: Expeditions
She also undertook scientific expeditions at a time when these were unusual and normally undertaken by men only.
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Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717) Illustrator of Insect Life: Scientific Discoveries
She discovered unknown animals and insects in the interior of Surinam. Her classification of butterflies and moths is still used today.
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Illustrating Insects
We hope you enjoy these images of insects by Maria Sibylla Merian. You can download 3 of her illustrations to colour-in. Why not have a go at some botanical illustrations of your own too?
Collection Colouring Sheets
Drawing From The Collections
Join us on Wellbeing Wednesdays as we have a go at sketching some objects from the collections. This isn't about creating a masterpiece, it's about enjoying spending a few restful minutes with pencil and paper.
