by Emma Skurnick

Nature, in all of its variety, complexity and beauty, has been an inspiration for artists throughout history -- from the earliest humans' painting on cave walls up to the artists of today. The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, supporting and improving the skills of natural science illustrators all over the world.

What is natural science illustration? In essence, it is the accurate depiction of our world. Often, natural science illustrators' work is used to explain or highlight some specific aspect of science or nature -- be it in a science magazine, a gardening book, at the zoo, on a Web page, in a children's book, on a poster. You name it, and a science illustrator has probably been there.

Often science illustrators work in concert with a scientist, collaborating to create an image that is both aesthetically beautiful and technically accurate.

The task of the science illustrator is manifold. First and foremost, the artwork must be accurate. We often hear that "a photograph never lies," but, interestingly enough, an illustration will often offer a more accurate depiction of a subject than a photo can. Consider, for example, a field guide for identifying birds. A photo will capture the image of one bird, in one position, showing some of the identifying characteristics of that species.

An illustrator, however, through studying living birds, photographs andskins, can create a composite image that will show all of the characteristics of that bird in its ideal form. How often could you capture a photo of a bird that is clearly displaying the stripe on its tail,the bars on its wings, and the color of its eye all at once? And all in focus? Illustrators make it happen all the time.

In addition, illustrators are often called on to show the public things that can't be seen. How did the dinosaurs look? What happens inside a lightning bug to make it glow? What's happening under the crust of the earth? How does an antibiotic work? Science illustrators, through their combined knowledge of science and art, can show us. And through showing us, they can teach us, fascinate us and impel us to learn more.

Not only must the images be accurate

they should be beautiful as well. The illustration is often the first thing a viewer notices when he picks up a magazine, surfs the Web or reads a book. It is the illustration that draws one into an article and makes one want to read more. The illustration serves as the bridge between the right side and the left side of the brain.

Science illustration can be a demanding and rewarding task. The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators exists to support and encourage illustrators and anyone interested in science illustration to improve the skills of its members, to encourage high standards, and to provide a forum for exchange and education.

Our local chapter, the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Carolinas, meets bimonthly at the N.C. Botanical Garden at Chapel Hill. Recent meetings have covered topics as diverse as portfolio and skill sharing, large-scale watercolor painting techniques and a visit from an entomologist to discuss insect anatomy and classification. In addition, the guild often takes field trips to sketch or visit art exhibitions.

At least twice a year the guild presents exhibitions of members' work. This spring the exhibit was held at the Carrboro Branch Library. In the fall, there will be a show at the Durham Museum of Life and Science. The next meeting of the guild will be Sept. 21 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Botanical Garden. There will be a field-sketching workshop open to the public in November.

For information about the guild or any of its activities, call 919-542-4492 or http://destined.to/emma