Art Inside & Out: Introductory Drawing Lessons Inspired by NHMLAC Collections

Overview

Inspiration is everything. In becoming a better artist, the choice of what to draw is just as important as how to draw it. With keen observational drawing skills and the amazing collections of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County to explore, your journey will be a scientific, cultural, and artistic one. The Natural History Museum has an infinite variety of artifacts and evidence of visual culture to inspire artists of all skill levels and ages. The lessons here are from a larger work in progress which will include activities focused on every part of the museum. Some of the lessons will take you “behind the scenes” into parts of the collection not always on display. This book is designed for those who would like to explore the museum in person, with printed pages or a PDF version on a tablet. The included images and QR codes make the entire collection and artwork examples available to anyone, anywhere.

Materials

• Any drawing or writing tools (may include pencil, ink, markers, colored pencils, pastels, watercolors, etc.)
• Art Inside & Out activity booklet (download above)

Standards

VAPA ANCHOR STANDARD 1: Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work

VAPA ANCHOR STANDARD 2: Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work

VAPA ANCHOR STANDARD 3: Refine and Complete Artistic Work

VAPA ANCHOR STANDARD 6: Convey Meaning Through the Presentation of Artistic Work

VAPA ANCHOR STANDARD 8: Interpret Intent and Meaning in Artistic Work

VAPA ANCHOR STANDARD 10: Synthesize and Relate Knowledge and Personal Experiences to Make Art

VAPA ANCHOR STANDARD 11: Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context to Deepen Understanding