Field Notes – Drawing Birds
Fri, Jun 20
|INHA Catskill Biological Field Station


Time & Location
Jun 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
INHA Catskill Biological Field Station, Andes, NY
About the program
About this Course:
Learn hands-on how to sketch from life, accurately record color and anatomical reference for taxidermy, illustration, and sculpture. This class is suitable for artists and hobbyists with basic skills in drawing and painting.
Course Overview:
Capturing the essence of an animal collected in the wild utilizes a skill set that goes beyond simply snapping a photo. Historically, as birds were collected and prepared on expeditions, scientists and artists used various methods to record sufficient information such as the color, size, and other characteristics. Today, we still use these methods to create not only museum taxidermy but also illustrations, sculptures, models and carvings.
Students will work in the beautiful outdoor environment of the Catskill Mountains of New York. They will be guided through processes for accurate anatomical drawings, measurement-taking, and color notation, allowing them to create a reliable reference library of their own.
By the conclusion of this course, participants will gain the skills to document, sketch, and create scientifically accurate reference materials that serve as a foundation for taxidermy, sculpture, and illustration. Students will explore various materials and techniques to compare the results. Real bird specimens, ethically and legally sourced under our state and federal salvage permits, will be utilized as models. This class is suitable for artists with at least foundational skills in drawing and painting.
Join renowned taxidermist and artist George Dante as he leads this hands-on exploration of how these traditional field methods can be used to strengthen artist abilities and create more scientifically accurate work.
Course Outline:
Meet and Greet at Pavilion. Light continental breakfast will be provided
Field notes discussion; a brief overview
Students are given a fresh specimen to use as a model and guided through making time sensitive recordings of beak, feet and eye color
Learn how to record accurate color notes of feathers and distinct markings
Anatomical observations – Studying our specimens
Recording specific anatomy through quick sketching
Measuring specimens for sculpture, models, and carvings
Lunch (provided)
Using a skinned specimen, students will learn how to make carcass tracings, study gross anatomy, and record specific body and neck measurements
Closing remarks and student survey of class
Wind down - dinner (provided.)
*All wild birds are protected under various federal and state laws and cannot be collected or possessed without appropriate scientific permits. Specimens are held under federal and state salvage/education permits. Permit numbers are available upon request.
What INHA Will Provide:
All materials will be provided for this class; however, students are welcome to bring their own. We are happy to offer guidance on what is required in advance. Students will enjoy full access to our private 270-acre property where the course will take place.
A continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided. We kindly ask students with food allergies or dietary restrictions to please let us know well in advance.
A list of local hotels can be provided upon request.
Supply list (to be supplied by student):
Click here to learn more about what to expect and what to bring.
About the Instructor:
George Dante is an acclaimed taxidermist, sculptor, model maker, and fine artist. With a devoted love for art and nature from an early age, it wasn’t long before his lifelong career path had been set. He began practicing taxidermy at the age of seven, and founded Wildlife Preservations, LLC while in high school. George continued to develop his company while obtaining a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Visual Arts and soon earned the reputation as a world-renowned provider of natural history exhibit services. George Dante Studios, LLC continues to provide these highly specialized skills including the restoration and conservation of historic specimens and dioramas. George has been entrusted with the care of some of the rarest specimens and collections in the world and his clients include the American Museum of Natural History, The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Harvard University, National Geographic, Oxford University, and the Field Museum.
This class can be bundled with the "Expedition Experiences - Birds" at a discounted rate. Bundle options are available at checkout. To learn more about "Expedition Experiences - Birds" with Dr. Peter Capainolo, please visit the Field Classes page.
For Payment Plans, please email us at naturalhistoryarts@gmail.com
Group Size: 10 participants
Age Restrictions: 18 and Over
Class Policies:
Please arrive 15m prior the class commencement. If you are running late, please call us at (973)-650-8875 or (973)-609-2153 and let us know.
By signing up for our classes, you recognize the risks associated with these classes—working with sharp tools and practicing safe specimen handling.
You agree to follow the instructor’s advice and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm.
For your safety and to accommodate studio policy, no food is allowed during classes. Drinks in a container with a lid are permitted.
Due to Covid 19 policies, social distance and the use of masks will be based on community guidelines.
You will receive an email with a release form and a waiver. Documents must be signed and returned to INHA prior the class.
Cancellation Policies:
Cancellations 15 days prior to your class date will incur a 25% service charge, and the remaining amount will be transferred as credit for the next event.
Cancellations 8 to 14 days of your class date will incur a 50% service charge, and the remaining amount will be transferred as credit for the next event.
Please note that cancellations within 7 days of the class are neither refundable nor transferable to another event.
Refunds are only available
If an event is postponed, rescheduled, or relocated by the Institute for Natural History Arts. In this case, your ticket(s) remain valid, and no further action is necessary. However, if you're unable to attend the event on the new date, you can request a refund to your original payment method or retain the amount as credit for future events.
Payments Plans are available.
Please contact our office for more information.
Registration
- Sale ends: Jun 15, 12:05 PM
Field Notes - Drawings Birds
From $375.00 to $1,425.00- $375.00+$9.38 service fee
- $1,425.00+$35.63 service fee
Total
$0.00