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ALBANY, N.Y. - Focus on Nature VI: Natural History Illustration, blends art and science by showcasing the work of science and natural history illustrators. The exhibition is on display from April 26 through July 30 in the New York State Museum's Photo Gallery.

Featuring 85 works from 61 artists, this juried exhibition features representatives from the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and the American Society of Botanical Artists. This year it coincides with and nicely complements another annual museum event, the New York State Natural History Conference, held from April 26-29.

Curated by Patricia Kernan, the museum's scientific illustrator, the exhibition features mammals, insects, flowers and other specimens important to scientific research in pen, ink, watercolor and other mediums. Kernan sometimes spends hours observing a specimen through a microscope just to get all of the details perfect.

Kernan's precise illustrations have graced the pages of many studies and publications produced by the State Museum. Working within the confines of exact measurements and scientific accuracy, Kernan says she strives to make her drawings as aesthetically pleasing as possible. In fact, the illustrations displayed in the exhibit do much to elucidate our knowledge of science, but can also be appreciated as works of art.

Three workshops by scientific illustrators will be held in conjunction with the exhibit and the Natural History Conference. They are open to the public at the Museum.

Nature Drawing for Everyone

Merri Nelson, a freelance natural science artist and instructor at the Smithsonian Institution, will talk about Nature Drawing for Everyone. Ms. Nelson describes her workshop as an opportunity to develop and/or hone your observation skills through drawing. It will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration payment is $65, Museum members pay $55.

Color Theory for Natural History Illustrators

Louisa Rawle Stine, an instructor at the New York Botanical Garden and the Institute for Ecosystem Studies, will address Color Theory for Natural History Illustrators. Her workshop is intended to de-mystify color theory and teach a simple and elegant process for accurate color mixing. It will take place on Thursday, April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration is $65, Museum members pay $55.

Illustrating Insects

Katie Lee will do a presentation on illustrating insects. She is a botanical and zoological artist and illustrator of children's books who currently teaches at the New York Botanical Garden. Internationally known, Lee has given drawing and painting workshops everywhere from Africa to South America. Lee will conduct her workshop on April 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration is $96, Museum members pay $83.

For more information or exhibit slides, please call 518/474-5811.