Pigeon vision: Exploring illustrative processes

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School of Arts, Design and Architecture | Master's thesis
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Date

2020

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Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Language

en

Pages

76

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Abstract

Scientific illustrators rely on a variety of illustrative techniques to create comprehensive depictions of complex topics and subjects. The applications of these techniques can greatly impact not only the illustrative and stylistic choices of the individual artist but the information depicted as well. In many cases, a figuratively rendered illustration will not sufficiently convey scientific illustration, therefore abstraction is applied to highlight key elements, eliminate unnecessary components, and create an effective illustration. This thesis examines the application of existing methods of abstraction within the context of ornithological illustration. Additionally, the application of these techniques is explored within the concept of picture and abstraction planes. This thesis uses interdisciplinary literature review, visual research, and process-based illustration research to define a process for creating ornithological illustrations. The outcome of this thesis is divided into two separate visual components. The first Component is a series of nine illustrations based on the visual capabilities of the Common pigeon. These nine illustrations are further divided into three subjects: 1. The Pigeon’s Field of Vision, 2. Ultraviolet and Contrast Perception, and 3.The Common Pigeon. Each of these subjects is comprised of three illustrations created using varying levels of abstraction. These illustrations test out the aforementioned abstraction scales within the context of ornithological illustration and are a culmination of literature review and visual research. The second component of this thesis is an experimental guide book highlighting forty-three of the fifty-three visual experiments conducted throughout the thesis. This field guide book examines the context of science visualization in the context of ornithology. In conclusion, through process-based research, this thesis determines that applying illustrative abstraction techniques to ornithological illustration pushes the illustrations beyond species identification, allowing for images to include information on additional processes associated with the depicted birds.

Description

Supervisor

Karhumaa, Arja

Thesis advisor

Harwick, Robin

Keywords

ornithological illustration, scientific illustration, information design, abstraction, illustration, science visualization

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