Monhegan Scientific Illustration Workshop - 2-Day (June 2026)

Monhegan Two-Day Scientific Illustration Workshop at Monhegan Boat Line and on Monhegan Island, Maine

Interested in scientific illustration because of the underlying science, a deep love of the natural world, or simply an appreciation of the aesthetic? Love the coast of Maine and the opportunity to visit one of its most famous islands? Then this workshop may be for you!

This intensive two-day scientific illustration workshop will meet at Monhegan Boat Line in Port Clyde, Maine. We will begin the first day at 8:00am with coffee/tea and a light breakfast followed by an introduction to the history and practice of illustration for scientific purposes from the 18th century to today. Before boarding the ferry at 10:30, we will discuss best practices for scientific illustrators working on private land, collecting samples and minimizing our impact. We will also review two important documents from Monhegan Associates Inc., who own the land on which we will be working: “Land Use Expectations for Groups” & "Land Use Policies." While not required, participants are encouraged to become members of Monhegan Associates to help preserve for posterity the Monhegan Wildlands. Membership is $25/year.

We will then board the 10:30 ferry to Monhegan Island (ferry ticket included in workshop price), where we will spend the day learning about and practicing field observation and documentation techniques. Students will each undertake guided field sketching, ultimately focusing on a natural history subject of their choosing. We will be doing some light to moderate hiking, so plan accordingly.

On the second day, we will meet at 9am at Monhegan Boat Line, and students will be introduced to the tools, procedures, and best practices for working with fieldnotes, studies and specimens in the studio space. This part of the workshop will be dedicated to guided illustration in a variety of media working with notes, field sketches and specimens towards a finished illustration.

No experience is necessary and all material (except for a pencil, sharpener and sketchbook) will be provided.

Class limited to six participants.

$250 cost includes materials, ferry ticket and parking. Lodging may be an option if the group is interested in staying together. Please reach out to Karen at Karen@KarenTalbotArt.com.

Schedule:

Day 1:

8:00 Meet at Monhegan Boat Line for a light breakfast and getting to know one another

8:30 Introduction to the history and practice of illustration for scientific purposes from the 18th century to today

9:30 Orientation to best practices for scientific illustrators working on private land, collecting samples and minimizing our impact.

10:30 Ferry to Monhegan Island

11:30 - 4:00 Fieldwork on Monhegan Island (bring a sack lunch, water bottle and backpack or easy-to-carry bag)

4:30 Ferry back to Port Clyde

5:30 Return to Port Clyde

Optional Dinner Out (not included in price)

Day 2:

9:00 Meet for light breakfast and a guided tour of Karen's show currently hanging in the Monhegan Boat Line gallery space

10:00 - 4:00 pm Guided Instruction and Studio Time at Monhegan Boat Line in the beautiful gallery space upstairs

Bring a sack lunch. Some snacks and beverages will be provided.

Not included in workshop price: Lunches and optional dinner out