ON THE HOLISTIC VALUE OF A COURSE IN GEO-SKETCHING: THE UTD EXPERIENCE

Why should geoscientists learn to draw when we have cameras, LIDAR and other high-resolution imaging? Because, while modern technologies record data very well, they aren’t yet designed to interpret the images they capture. A sentient eye and mind must interpret an image to express the key concepts it shows. An annotated sketch is unsurpassed for this purpose. A good drawing conveys the sketchers’ key concepts all at once, and holistically. Geoscience students especially need to learn how to sketch geologic features in the field, and to annotate images and diagrams of them. Unfortunately, most geoscience students consider themselves to be poor artists. To fill this need, we offered a one-hour course called Geo-sketching at the University of Texas at Dallas in the spring of 2022. 10 students completed the course: seven Geosciences majors, and three from other physical sciences. Designed to be a weekly respite from the pressures of undergraduate courses, students met for one hour each Friday for 12 weeks. The workshop-like experience had no semester projects or homework. Students completed one drawing per session to earn a passing grade, with no critique of drawing quality. Using traditional art media (pencil, india ink wash, pastel, watercolor), the course introduced principles of perspective, proportion and diagramming techniques applied to mineral, outcrop and landscape patterns. Later assignments using landscape photos from Texas, Utah, and Wyoming emphasized petrologic features, stratigraphy and structure. Outdoor subjects included trees, and rocks selected from the departmental rock pile. Special topics classes are not evaluated by the university; our assessment is based on instructors’ observations and an unofficial survey of students. Attendance was above average and did not decrease. Students seemed absorbed and undistracted by social media for the full hour, even though they didn’t need to stay. Over the semester, students gained confidence in their drawing; no longer apologizing for poor skill. Geo-sketching appears to develop the observational skills required to see holistic patterns in Geoscience. This year’s students’ detailed suggestions make them co—creators of the next Geo-sketching class, scheduled for Spring 2023.