Description: Art of Anatomy this year will soar the skies with various birds, swim in the depths of the sea with crazy fish, and venture back into the age of the dinosaur and other odd creatures to take a look at land animals, then land in the classroom with the human body to identify the technique or “fingerprint” of its maker-God all over this amazing creation we call life on earth. Art of Anatomy class combines anatomical sciences with drawing and watercolor to gain an understanding of the masterful work of God as He formed the animal kingdom in four subsets: Fish, birds, animals and humans. We will study the spectacular anatomical structures that set each of these living creatures groups apart applying scientific lecture, some ands on experiments, possible dissections and study, with a similar amount of time spent on visually understanding the structure, function and beauty of them as we learn how to reproduce them in drawing and watercolor. The complexity, beauty, and uniqueness of anatomy cannot be fully understood without in reference to its maker, so scripture will be incorporated weekly to nurture our understanding both of nature and its God.

• Weeks 1-3 physics of fish and a glance at the Leviathan
• Weeks 4-6: birds bones, feathers, wings, beaks and feet etc-WOW!
• Week 7-10: animals of long ago: what were animals like prior to the flood, focusing on reptiles, cold blooded vs hot blooded, herbivore, omnivore, carnivore, and how earth changes affected animals
• Week 11-15: humans, embryo development, the eye and other organs. Embryo models, possible eye and heart dissections.

The student will build a portfolio of illustrations, scripture and scientific reflections on God’s creation that could be useful for either an art half credit or science half credit.

 We will look to various thoughts by creationist scientists and historical Christian thought as we look at these topics to get a fuller understanding, and students may find that challenging.  But in all things, the Bible will remain the primary and final source.

Since this is a combination class that I tend to gear towards 9-11th grade, you may want to consider if your younger student is up to that level of challenge.

Note:  Art of Anatomy will have a two year rotation so a students can take Art of Anatomy one year, then take it the next: Yearly rotation: A-study- the 4 living creatures: the bird, fish, animal and the human, and B-study- the human: the cell, blood, muscle, and the bone.

Tutor: Andrea Merboth has a BA degree in Occupational Therapy from the College of St. Catherine. Andrea has taken various art classes in watercolor and oil painting and has been involved in several art shows, art exhibits, and canvass painting parties amidst friends and a relaxing backdrop.  She has taught art classes for many years to varied age groups, primarily to the homeschool population. In addition to enjoying painting on canvas, Andrea paints furniture, walls, fabric, room murals, and has also painted a 10’x20’ mural in the library in McGregor MN and worked with students and locals on another large mural in Ciudad Juarez, MX. She has also painted sets for several full-length plays, some of which she directed in the homeschool arena. Andrea and her husband have a passion to help ground young people in the Christian faith, realizing that all forms of communication, including art have the ability to either draw you towards or away from the truths of God. She believes that beauty is a reflection of God, and art classes can empower students to find creative ways to share God with the world.

Cost:  $217
Level: Grades 7-12
Prerequisite: none
Homework: 2 hours/week of artwork, plus study time for the 3 exams given during the semester
Text: none
Supplies: The cost of specimens is included in the price of the class (above).  Students will need to purchase a notebook to take science notes, 11 x 14 inch drawing pad, art pencils, watercolor pad-Strathmore 300 series-yellow 11x15, and watercolor pallet Oval 16 by Prang is fine.