Lesson – Drawing Artifacts to Scale

1. How to Draw Artifacts to Scale

Drawing artifacts to scale pg1 — Page 1 of 2

Drawing artifacts to scale pg 2 — Page 2 of 2

Archaeology Day is Saturday, May 9, 2026 1 - 5 pm at the Ross County Historical Society (RCHS) 45 W. 5th St. Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

Hello Everyone! Past and Present!

I finally made it to my new home in Chillicothe, Ohio. I chose Chillicothe because it's in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains where there are lots of hills, trees, and lakes, as well as the Sciota River. As a native San Diego Californian, I wanted to be in the midst of hills and natural surroundings, similar (well kinda) to what I've been accustomed to.

I soon emersed myself in Ohio's archaeology and earthworks. Chillicothe is home of the Hopewell Cultural National Historical Park and Hopewell Mound Group. A must see for visitors and residents alike. I will be posting a blog soon about the Hopewell Culture with photos of the mounds during spring and in the winter. Hope to see you at the Historical Society on May 9, 2026!

Donna :)

Note: For artifact illustrations lessons, online, groups, or individual, please call or email me at:

Donna Walker 858-829-5861 / donna.walker05@gmail.com

Mound City Group Visitor Center. The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is part of UNESCO.

Map of the Hopewell Mound Group

Wintry path to the Hopewell Mounds. 2026 saw the most snow in Chillicothe since 1978. 21 inches! And, my first winter!

Paleolithic Cats

Winter 2026 at the Hopewell Mound Group

1st Place in the Art in Archaeology Show 2023. Title: Kiss Me

Layout for illustrating pottery.

October Archaeology Month! Arch-in-the-Park 2023. Lots of interest in illustrating artifacts!

Small Decorated Jar – Jordan

Downtown Old Chillicothe, Ohio

Obsidian Point

Ceramic sherd with designs are drawn as if the design is intact.

Jordan Pottery

Donut Stone – wear zones indicate it may have been used for polishing.

Fluted Point

SDAC Holiday Sip & Sketch Art Class

Shells in pen and ink and Prismacolor.

Mano

Jordan – Interesting vessel with a bowl in the handle; possibly for pouring.

Ceramic sherd with comb markings. Scale 1:1

Venus of Willendorf – illustrated using a replica.

Ceramics – Lug handle from Jordan with exterior, profile and interior views.

Turtle Scraper

“Where’s My Comb” SDCAS Celebrating Art in Archaeology Oct. 2021.

SDCAS’ Celebrating the Art in Archaeology art show for 2021: Winner, Donna Walker for 1st Place in line drawings and also Best of Show!

Jordan – Early Bronze Age

Early Bronze Age Pots Illustrated for UCSD

Incised limb applique: Exterior, Interior, and Profile

Resin cast of a Clovis Projectile Point discovered in Utah. Such casts are great for practicing illustration.

Coast of Puerto Rico body sherd with foot applique.

Pierced Lug Handle