Our Own Cabinet of Curiosities

We used drawings from Seba's Cabinet of Curiosities as models for these fine marker drawings. This reproduction of an 18th century book, showcases one man's collection of  animals, plants and insects from all around the world.

Eighth graders first made  pencil drawings of their animal or insect- leaving out the details (feathers and scales, for the most part).  After practicing a little they were able to do the repetitive line work on the final copy, without pre-drawing it.  The book is listed at a really high price, but there  are other books that could be used just as well.... such as The Clip Art Book, compiled by Gerard Quinn or The Complete Encyclopedia of Illustration.  I purchased these many years ago, and perhaps there are other books could serve just as well.  I have done fine line drawings with this age group from the old ,OLD Sears and Roebuck catalog.  These have to be enlarged on the copy machine.