High Noon at the Zoo

 

7/2/13 Pilot Namiki Black ink, Stillman & Birn sketchbook

Animals, people, trees and other plants, architecture, wide open spaces, interiors, still lifes – just about anything you want to sketch, you can find at the zoo. That’s why I spend so much time there. Admittedly, with all of those choices, I spend most of my zoo time sketching small portraits of individual animals.


7/2/13 Pilot Namiki Black ink, Stillman & Birn sketchbook

Today I decided to take a variety of approaches. I spent more time sketching larger spaces, such as a group of people looking at the penguin exhibit and a value study of picnickers under a tree. The one I sketched at the penguin exhibit was especially interesting because the sun was almost directly overhead, creating unusual shadows.

I also tried quick gesture sketches of a reindeer and penguins in different positions. Finally, on my way out, I did one portrait of a beautiful heron that likes to preen on the high wall of the penguin exhibit.



7/2/13 water-soluble colored pencils, Diamine Grey ink

7/2/13 Diamine Chocolate Brown ink

7/2/13 Pilot Namiki Black ink