Micro-minerals sparkle in the Museum’s Nature Art Gallery
June 17,
2003
For Immediate Release
For arts editors
Contacts: Marjorie Terry
(919) 733-7450, ext. 358
RALEIGH — Discover the beauty and wonder of the miniature world within micro-minerals as the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences features the watercolors of David Babulski, June 26 through July 27, in the Museum’s Nature Art Gallery. An opening reception will take place June 26, 6–8 p.m.
Babulski’s
work focuses on very small mineral specimens—usually less than ¼
inch in size—that must be viewed through a high-powered, stereo
microscope. Painting the details he sees through the scope, Babulski brings
the miniature world into focus for the unaided human eye.
Babulski describes his art as “fully dressed scientific illustration.” His work maintains a high level of accuracy in terms of crystal form and color, while introducing a small amount of artistic license into the overall composition of the painting. An amateur mineralogist, Babulski uses his accumulated knowledge about minerals when selecting micro-minerals to paint.
“I research names, geological setting, mineralogy, crystal structure, mineral chemistry and mode of formation,” said Babulski. “This knowledge gives me a special relationship with the mineral as the painting reveals its beauty and wonder.”
The micro-mineral specimens depicted are from Babulski’s own collection. An active mineral collector without room to display specimens, micro-minerals were the ideal answer to his storage problems. Babulski began by sketching the specimens he saw under his microscope, and later painted watercolors of the details he saw. “Watercolor is the perfect medium to capture the rich, vibrant colors contained in micro-minerals.”
To maintain accuracy, Babulski uses a Camera Lucida (a drawing instrument that uses a reflecting prism to draw outlines in correct perspective) attached to a stereo microscope. The Camera Lucida allows him to accurately capture the proportions of the mineral crystals. The initial drawing is enlarged and refined with frequent reference back to the microscope. The drawing is then transferred to illustration board and the painting process begins. Babulski uses a combination of transparent watercolor, acrylic gouache, watercolor glazing and colored pencil to capture his vision.
The Nature Art Gallery, inside the Museum Store, hosts new exhibitions by Southern artists every six weeks. All exhibited art is for sale. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4:45 p.m.; and the first Friday of each month until 7 p.m. Admission is free. For a complete schedule of Nature Art Gallery exhibits, please visit the Gallery online or call the Museum Store at 919/733-7450, ext. 361.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the web at www.naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.
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