Our next online class focuses on the iconic Painted Dogs of Africa. These sociable canines live in close knit packs that hunt together, rear young together and even been documented sharing food and assisting weak or ill pack members. They are native to Sub-Saharan Africa, where their numbers were as high as 600,000 just two decades ago, but they are now unfortunately classified as endangered. Human-wildlife conflict and loss of habitat are the main reasons for this and with population numbers of these gorgeous creatures now thought to be less than 5000 in the wild, conservation is more important than ever. We are proud to be collaborating with the fantastic Namibian wildlife sanctuary N/a’an ku sê (AKA Naankuse) for this class, and supporting their incredible rescue and rehabilitation work with the wildlife of Namibia. They also work with local communities, providing employment and education, and seek to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

As we draw the Painted Dogs from a selection of amazing reference footage and videos, we will be connecting with the lovely Fillipus in Namibia who will be telling us all about Naankuse’s important conservation work as well as the history of the pack we’re sketching.

To begin, WLD Founder and artist Jennie Webber will take introduce the basics of drawing African Painted Dogs, working from the reference images to give a demonstration of the shapes, proportions and anatomical features to identify as well as being on hand to feedback or dish out creative advice throughout the whole session. We also encourage you to ask questions throughout the classes, so we can all learn more about the animals, the issues facing them and what we can do to help improve the situation.

A downloadable Reference Media Pack containing images of African Painted Dogs will be supplied with the Zoom link. The basic materials you need to take part are paper, a pencil, eraser and sharpener, but of course you are more than welcome to work in whatever materials you enjoy or have to hand. Please get in touch if you need advice on materials, we’re happy to help! You will be emailed the media pack, instructions and the Zoom link to join 48 hours before the event is due to start, or in good time if you booked last minute. If you haven’t received the email, do check your junk mail first and then get in touch and we’ll make sure you have it before the event is due to take place. You just need one ticket per device, not per person.

50% of your ticket price will be donated to N/a’an ku sê.

We are extremely excited to theme our next online class around Sea Turtles, with a live stream from a turtle hospital in the Maldives. These serene and graceful creatures have existed on Earth since the days of the dinosaurs. Sea Turtles have impressive navigational abilities which enable them to travel back to the precise area where they were born every few years to lay eggs. When turtle hatchlings make their way from their nest to the water, they imprint a type of magnetic signature of that beach into their minds, which stays with them for the rest of their lives! Marine biologists consider Sea Turtles to be a “keystone species” as they play such an important role in ocean ecosystems all around the world, therefore protecting them is considered vital to maintaining the wider health of our oceans.

We will be on a live zoom link with some turtles who are currently recuperating at the Olive Ridley Project, a fantastic organisation in The Maldives which works to rescue turtles caught in ‘ghost’ fishing gear. Turtles are found tangled in clumps of old fishing nets and plastics; weak, starving and often with awful wounds as a result of the nets cutting into their flippers. We will be joined by Minnie, who is one of the vets working at the rehabilitation centre. She will tell us all about the inspiring work her and her colleagues do to not only heal turtles who have already been harmed, but to prevent as many future casualties as possible with their project to remove discarded fishing nets from the oceans surrounding the island.

The class will begin with an introduction to sea turtles and The Olive Ridley Project. Then WLD founder and artist Jennie Webber will take you through the basics of drawing sea turtles from life with a demonstration of the shapes, proportions and anatomical features to identify as well as being on hand to feedback or dish out creative advice throughout the whole session.

The class will begin with an introduction from WLD founder and artist Jennie Webber, who will take you through the basics of drawing sea turtles from life. We’ll then switch screens to meet Minnie for a live introduction to sea turtles at the hospital. Jennie will be on hand to demo, feedback or dish out creative advice throughout the whole session. Throughout the class, we’ll be chatting all about turtles and the effect that ocean plastics are having on marine life and how we can get involved to help.

The basic materials you need to take part are paper, a pencil, eraser and sharpener, but of course you are more than welcome to work in whatever materials you enjoy or have to hand. Please get in touch if you need advice on materials, we’re happy to help! You will be emailed instructions and the Zoom link to join 48 hours before the event is due to start, or in good time if you booked your ticket closer to the event. If you have not received your email 24 hours before the class please check your junk mail or get in touch with Jennie on info@wildlifedrawing.co.uk

50% of your ticket price will be donated to The Olive Ridley Project.

A very special class indeed – we are thrilled to announce another online class for November, and this time we’ll be zooming with two rescued Asian Elephants as they take an amble through the Laos jungle. We will join our elephants up the mountain at Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary and spend some time sketching them as they enjoy a feast of banana shoots, mangoes and pineapple tops. Once their bellies are nice and full we will wander back down the mountain towards the sanctuary, via their favourite mango tree, as we chat with the team there and learn all about asian elephants. Due to the time difference this class will be a bit earlier than usual, as our regular morning session would be past the elephants bedtime. We promise it’ll be worth setting your alarm for.

For this live session we are delighted to be working with the wonderful team at Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary in Laos, who rescue elephants from mistreatment and exploitation in the logging and tourism industries. The elephants in their care are able to live out their lives in the peaceful surroundings of the jungle, where they are given the freedom to roam and forage everyday, and are treated with respect and care. Many so called “sanctuaries” in this part of Asia offer elephant rides and experiences which aren’t actually enjoyable for these intelligent animals, but at Mandalao interaction with visitors is always lead by the elephants. They won’t say no to being fed a banana or two, or being accompanied on a walk, but are never ridden or forced to entertain.

The class will begin with an introduction from Wild Life Drawing founder and artist Jennie Webber, who will provide a step-by-step guide to drawing Asian Elephants from life. We will be also joined by Roice Davis – a dedicated member of the Mandalao team – who’ll be teaching us all about the elephants, their stories, and the dedicated work he and his colleagues do to improve the lives of these magnificent creatures. There will of course be plenty of opportunity for all of your elephant questions.

The basic materials you need to take part are paper, a pencil, eraser and sharpener, but of course you are more than welcome to work in whatever materials you enjoy or have to hand. Please get in touch if you need advice on materials, we’re happy to help! You will be emailed instructions and the Zoom link to join 48 hours before the event is due to start, or in good time if you booked your ticket closer to the event. If you have not received your email 24 hours before the class please check your junk mail or get in touch with Jennie on info@wildlifedrawing.co.uk

50% of your ticket price will be donated to Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary.

Very excited to be bringing Wild Life Drawing to Bermonds Locke, a beautiful new hotel near London Bridge. Their interiors are inspired by the desert – think warm tones, cacti and low hanging suns. We’re running with this theme and hosting two in-person Wild Life Drawing classes in their open air courtyard across the summer.

The second is Desert Reptiles, and we’ll be welcoming a whole variety of tortoises, lizards and snakes that have all evolved unique ways of maintaining their body temperatures and adapt to the sandy terrain. Leopard Geckos, Sand Boas and Sulcata Tortoises (plus many more) will be our scaly models for the day accompanied by the expert and dedicated team at Snakes Alive, a reptile rescue centre that rehomes unwanted pets or cruelty cases. We’ll be discussing the unique ways these animals thrive in the desert, as well as responsible pet ownership in the reptile world.

The drawing class is open to all, from beginners to advanced. All drawing materials are supplied, including paper, but please feel free to bring colours or any other specific media you might like to use. Children aged 8 and above are more than welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult also taking part in the class. The aim is to inspire a sense of appreciation and understanding for the animals and their conservation in the wider world.

This is an outdoor class and we will still be restricting the numbers at the drawing classes for the foreseeable future for peace of mind.

Very excited to be bringing Wild Life Drawing to Bermonds Locke, a beautiful new hotel near London Bridge. Their interiors are inspired by the desert – think warm tones, cacti and low hanging suns. We’re running with this theme and hosting two in-person Wild Life Drawing classes in their open air courtyard across the summer.

The second is Desert Reptiles, and we’ll be welcoming a whole variety of tortoises, lizards and snakes that have all evolved unique ways of maintaining their body temperatures and adapt to the sandy terrain. Leopard Geckos, Sand Boas and Sulcata Tortoises (plus many more) will be our scaly models for the day accompanied by the expert and dedicated team at Snakes Alive, a reptile rescue centre that rehomes unwanted pets or cruelty cases. We’ll be discussing the unique ways these animals thrive in the desert, as well as responsible pet ownership in the reptile world.

The drawing class is open to all, from beginners to advanced. All drawing materials are supplied, including paper, but please feel free to bring colours or any other specific media you might like to use. Children aged 8 and above are more than welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult also taking part in the class. The aim is to inspire a sense of appreciation and understanding for the animals and their conservation in the wider world.

This is an outdoor class and we will still be restricting the numbers at the drawing classes for the foreseeable future for peace of mind.

In October we’ll be meeting a menagerie of Micro-mammals at The Depot, for a day of drawing, learning and perhaps a little bit of stroking too! We will meet a variety of animals that have been rescued or rehomed and now live happy and healthy lives; Jim and Jemima the Prairie Dog couple, Jeff and Phil the rescue Guinea Pigs, Dave the Degu, Tiggy the African Pygmy Hedgehog, a Short Tailed Opossum and a few fancy mice too. We will focus our conversation on responsible pet ownership and the dangers of the exotic pet industry as well as busting some myths about the best and most ethical ways to keep our small furry friends.

10% of each ticket sold will be donated to South Essex Wildlife Hospital – a rescue, rehabilitation and public advice charity that takes in sick, injured and orphaned animals from the areas around East London, North Kent and South Essex. No animal is turned away and the hospital often houses 200-300 animals at any one time. They function entirely on donations and volunteers, and our contribution will make a difference.

The drawing class is open to all, from beginners to advanced. All drawing materials are supplied, including paper, but please feel free to bring colours or any other specific media you might like to use. Drawing tips and guidance will be provided throughout the session. The aim of these drawing classes is to inspire a sense of appreciation and understanding for the animals and their conservation in the wider world.

Wild Life Drawing is working with the finest animal handlers, sanctuaries and organisations to put on these events. All the animals that attend the sessions are comfortable and happy in different environments and around people, their welfare is our highest priority. These animals will be attending with two highly experienced animal handlers that not only care for these animals but also re-home other unwanted exotic pets or rescue animals. These animals will be in specially designed runs, with plenty of enrichment activities and hidden treats to keep them occupied and happy for the time they are with us. All animals go through a ‘Heath and Happiness’ test before attending any external events, and are rewarded with their favourite foods.

In October we’ll be meeting a menagerie of Micro-mammals at The Depot, for a day of drawing, learning and perhaps a little bit of stroking too! We will meet a variety of animals that have been rescued or rehomed and now live happy and healthy lives; Jim and Jemima the Prairie Dog couple, Jeff and Phil the rescue Guinea Pigs, Dave the Degu, Tiggy the African Pygmy Hedgehog, a Short Tailed Opossum and a few fancy mice too. We will focus our conversation on responsible pet ownership and the dangers of the exotic pet industry as well as busting some myths about the best and most ethical ways to keep our small furry friends.

10% of each ticket sold will be donated to South Essex Wildlife Hospital – a rescue, rehabilitation and public advice charity that takes in sick, injured and orphaned animals from the areas around East London, North Kent and South Essex. No animal is turned away and the hospital often houses 200-300 animals at any one time. They function entirely on donations and volunteers, and our contribution will make a difference.

The drawing class is open to all, from beginners to advanced. All drawing materials are supplied, including paper, but please feel free to bring colours or any other specific media you might like to use. Drawing tips and guidance will be provided throughout the session. The aim of these drawing classes is to inspire a sense of appreciation and understanding for the animals and their conservation in the wider world.

Wild Life Drawing is working with the finest animal handlers, sanctuaries and organisations to put on these events. All the animals that attend the sessions are comfortable and happy in different environments and around people, their welfare is our highest priority. These animals will be attending with two highly experienced animal handlers that not only care for these animals but also re-home other unwanted exotic pets or rescue animals. These animals will be in specially designed runs, with plenty of enrichment activities and hidden treats to keep them occupied and happy for the time they are with us. All animals go through a ‘Heath and Happiness’ test before attending any external events, and are rewarded with their favourite foods.

Join us to celebrate this year’s Big Draw Festival with a day of meeting and sketching three amazing owls native to the UK and learning about their lives in the wild – which are often closer to cities and urban areas than you think! In line with this year’s festival theme Make the Change we’ll be using drawing to understand the owls and learning how we can help to protect the habitats these birds call home. The class will begin with a short talk from our experienced and dedicated falconer and we will learn about owl anatomy, their unique characteristics and how they’ve evolved to use sound to pinpoint their prey from the air! Our falconers will be full of facts about where to see these birds in the wild (even in/around London!) and any conservation issues affecting these species. All these owls are truly charismatic with their own individual personalities and I guarantee you’ll go away with not only some great drawings, but a new found respect and admiration for these beautiful birds of prey.

This half term class is suitable for both adults and families, with children 7 years and over welcome at the class as long as they are accompanied by an adult also taking part in the class. The drawing class is open to all abilities, from beginners to advanced. All drawing materials are supplied, including paper and drawing boards, but please feel free to bring colours or any other specific media you might like to use. Drawing tips and guidance will be provided throughout the session. The aim of these drawing classes is to inspire a sense of appreciation and understanding for the animals and their conservation in the wider world.

Wild Life Drawing is working with the finest animal handlers, sanctuaries and organisations to put on these events. All the animals that attend the sessions are well used to humans and different environments and are always accompanied by experienced handlers, their welfare is our highest priority. The falconer that keeps these birds is a trusted and experienced animal handler that works with the RSPCA to rescue, rehabilitate and re-release wild birds of prey around the South of England.

10% of each ticket will be donated to the Barn Owl Trust.

Join us to celebrate this year’s Big Draw Festival with a day of meeting and sketching three amazing owls native to the UK and learning about their lives in the wild – which are often closer to cities and urban areas than you think! In line with this year’s festival theme Make the Change we’ll be using drawing to understand the owls and learning how we can help to protect the habitats these birds call home. The class will begin with a short talk from our experienced and dedicated falconer and we will learn about owl anatomy, their unique characteristics and how they’ve evolved to use sound to pinpoint their prey from the air! Our falconers will be full of facts about where to see these birds in the wild (even in/around London!) and any conservation issues affecting these species. All these owls are truly charismatic with their own individual personalities and I guarantee you’ll go away with not only some great drawings, but a new found respect and admiration for these beautiful birds of prey.

This half term class is suitable for both adults and families, with children 7 years and over welcome at the class as long as they are accompanied by an adult also taking part in the class. The drawing class is open to all abilities, from beginners to advanced. All drawing materials are supplied, including paper and drawing boards, but please feel free to bring colours or any other specific media you might like to use. Drawing tips and guidance will be provided throughout the session. The aim of these drawing classes is to inspire a sense of appreciation and understanding for the animals and their conservation in the wider world.

Wild Life Drawing is working with the finest animal handlers, sanctuaries and organisations to put on these events. All the animals that attend the sessions are well used to humans and different environments and are always accompanied by experienced handlers, their welfare is our highest priority. The falconer that keeps these birds is a trusted and experienced animal handler that works with the RSPCA to rescue, rehabilitate and re-release wild birds of prey around the South of England.

10% of each ticket will be donated to the Barn Owl Trust.

Our much-loved wolf pack are back for more sketching and stroking at our Halloween Special, taking place in the stunning surrounds of the Council Chamber at the Town Hall Hotel. These “wolves” are actually British Lupine dogs that are perfectly tame and loyal domestic pets as well as being perfect wolf look-a-likes – they have pure wolf in their bloodline. They still retain their pack mentality, eat only raw meat and howl at the full moon – yet love cuddles and roll over for belly rubs! The class will be introduced to the “wolves” with a short talk from Canine Behavioural Scientist and ‘Head Wolf’ Natalie Lagstrom, and we’ll look in detail at their anatomy and how they’ve evolved to adapt to a variety of habitats across the globe.

As well as drawing these amazing animals, we will discuss current conservation issues facing wolves in the wild – plus the results of their incredible reintroduction to Yellowstone. Our wolf experts are full of facts and will be ready and willing to answer any questions you might have and of course, everyone can have a stroke and a cuddle at the end!

The drawing class is open to all, from beginners to advanced. All drawing materials are supplied, including paper and drawing boards, but please feel free to bring colours or any other specific media you might like to use. Drawing tips and guidance will be provided throughout the session. The aim of these drawing classes is to inspire a sense of appreciation and understanding for the animals and their conservation in the wider world.

And 10% each ticket price will be donated to Wolf Watch UK – which is a non-profit organisation that provides a remote 100 acre woodland sanctuary in Shropshire for wolves that have been displaced due to zoo closures, dominance fights or excess breeding that would otherwise have been euthanised. They’re not open to the public, therefore keeping the environment for the wolves as close to their natural secluded habitat as possible.