The goal of this workshop will be to introduce attendees to the basics of fungal observation and illustration through: 

• Practicing observation skills using our senses and considering animist language and time

• Recognizing usual parts that form mycelium and mushrooms 

• Applying foundational drawing skills to capture observations visually
  

The 1 hour workshop will include pencil drawing on paper. 

The course will start with basic observation / drawing activities (e.g. contour draw a mushroom provided) The group will discuss basic impressions from observing and contour drawing of the mushroom. Artists will then touch, sniff and taste tea from one of the provided mushrooms and draw again. The group will discuss what new impressions they gained from interacting with the mushroom beyond the sense of sight.

Then, we will demonstrate the basics of mushroom parts (stipe, cap, gills vs pores, etc.) and again contour draw a mushroom. Group will discuss the changes from their first two contour drawings to this one.

Lastly, we will discuss the basics of 3d form (hatching, Pointillism, direction of marks) and we’ll create more rendered drawings of mushrooms. The group will discuss progression from their first drawing to last.

About the Instructor

Molly McClurg is an artist, designer, and mushroom enthusiast who lives in Austin, Texas and Santa Marta, Colombia. She received a BA in Studio Arts and Graphic Design, have worked as a print and digital graphic designer, a ux designer and researcher, and most recently a Professor of Visual Communication at Austin Community College. She also serves as the Art Education and Fundraising Lead for Central Texas Mycological Society. Through her workshops and art, she is passionate about making the opaque more transparent through simple language, prioritizing lived experiences, and communicating visually.

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