Painting through the Universe: Mars

Despite how it may appear, I have not given up on Painting through the Universe! In fact, I have a new addition today. I have to admit, I felt quite a bit of pressure painting the Red Planet, but I think working my way through the panic phase of "Oh my gosh I've screwed it all up!" was worth it. This one, like most of the rest, has a black background, but I'm not sure if I'll continue that trend for the rest of them. Thoughts?

Koala Tapeworms

Earlier today I ran across a whole page of koala gifs. Koalas being cute and animated? Of course I had to share it. Somehow a conversation about koala parasites and fluffy ears sprung up between me, Tommy Lueng of The Daily Parasite, and Michelle Banks (aka Artologica) and it went something like this:

Here is a dose of adorable koalas for your day! You're welcome. diankovna.tumblr.com/post/206427552… #koalas #wanttohugALLthekoalas
— Katy Chalmers (@katyannc) April 7, 2012

@katyannc thank you - and here's a dose of adorable koala tapeworms to go with it! #whatisinsideakoala plus.google.com/photos/1114796…
— Tommy Leung (@The_Episiarch) April 7, 2012

@katyannc @The_Episiarch This was the first tweet I saw after being out all day. It's a doozy : ) They do look like they have fluffy ears
— Michele Banks (@artologica) April 8, 2012

@artologica @The_Episiarch Fluffy koala ears!!! Omg, I have to go draw that. #brbdrawing
— Katy Chalmers (@katyannc) April 8, 2012

Unable to pass up on the fluffy-eared parasite idea, I grabbed my nearest sketchbook and brush and this happened:

Fluffy-eared koala parasites. I think they want a hug?

Honestly not sure whether to say you're welcome or I'm sorry. I'll let you decide. 

Notes About Science Online 2012

This started out as a post about sketchnotes, but quickly evolved into some thoughts about Science Online...


Just over two weeks ago I nervously embarked on my first experience with Science Online 2012. Little did I know that I would leave forever changed by a community that not only welcomed me, but accepted me as one of their own.

As a lowly biology major still trying to make it out of undergrad, I felt quite a bit of the oft mentioned "impostor" syndrome. Coming at science communication from the science art angle, I wasn't sure at first how I would fit in. Science Online had an inspiring group of science artists in attendance this year, and It was wonderful to finally meet and hang out with many of them. Our "circle of artittude" at the reception held at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences was definitely one of the highlights of the conference.

I can't even begin to describe all of the wonderful people and amazing experiences (though I'm covering some of the highlights in daily science online comics here. Don't worry, Day 2 is coming!). After just the first day, my head was full of new information, ideas, and memories of great conversation. By the end, I was completely in love with the Science Online community and hated to see everyone go.

To avoid getting too sentimental, I'd just like to say this to the attendees of Science Online 2012: Thank you. Whether we exchanged many hugs throughout the conference, shook hands once, or never quite met, you all contributed to creating a community where people like me felt welcome to participate. You have given me courage and determination to continue my journey into the world of science. I feel as if I do so with a world of support at my side.

Now to give back...

Protist in Space!

I wonder how they made a space helmet this small...

This little guy happened earlier today. It was inspired by a conversation on twitter with @PsiWaveFunction who I had the pleasure of meeting last week at Science Online. The few of you who have seen it before will recognize my Earth painting in this protisty mashup.

I'm beginning to notice a pattern of sending little critters into space. Maybe I should continue with this apparent trend. Any suggestions for the next critter I should send to space?

Science Online Day 1

This doesn't even cover half of the events for day 1, but I hope you like it!

Featuring: @MireyaMayor, @Experrinment, @flyingtrilobite, @eyeforscience, @Artologica, @NGoldArt and @davidkroll.

See Science Online Day 0 here. 

Science Online Day 0 Quick Comic

Still working on posting my science scribe notes from Science Online 2012. In the meantime, here's the first of a series of quick comic sketches from my experience! Doing these while I recover from the nerdobacter plague. This one is Day 0 (aka Wednesday night), in which I start off incredibly nervous, but quickly realize I'm with kindred spirits.

Edit: This day features @DrBondar, @_ColinS_, @Szvan, @BenZvan, and hugs from @BoraZ.

Next: Day 1