For the last in our current series of Instagram Lives, we’ll be creating Piglets in Pastels and I’ll be teaching you how to build rich colour using pastels as well as enlightening you with plenty of piggy facts! The subject matter image pack will be available to download on the 21st May. I will be using a set of chalk pastels, using pastel pencils to pick out some of the finer detail. But please don’t worry if you don’t have the same materials or if you order and they don’t come in time. You will still be able to work along with oil pastels, coloured pencils or anything you have really! The most important thing is that we draw together.

These Instagram Lives will always be free to join, but if you enjoy the classes and are in a position to contribute a small donation that that would be wholeheartedly appreciated and go towards keeping WLD up and running, and supporting some of our animal handlers, sanctuaries and farms that we work with regularly. Of course there are lots of people and organisations that need supporting right now, so please don’t feel like you have to contribute anything to join in – the most important thing is that we draw together.

This Spring we’re back at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium to explore their incredible Rainforest area with another after-hours drawing class for charity. With a focus on the Amazonian waterways and dense jungles, we will be able to get up close and personal with dwarf crocodiles, snapping turtles, red-bellied piranhas, hissing cockroaches and leaf cutter ants, giraffe nosed cat fish, sleek arowana fish and terrapins that like to balance on top of each other! The class will start with an introduction to rainforest habitats and we will discuss the conservation issues affecting them; including deforestation due to logging and agriculture, commercial fishing, bio-piracy and poaching. Attendees will be able to head off to explore with their drawing boards, and helpful hints and guidance will be on hand from workshop leader, illustrator Jennie Webber.

50% of each ticket will be donated to the Sea Life Trust.

Very excited to share our first Sighthound Special – a day of drawing classes with Greyhounds, Whippets and Lurchers to raise money for The Greyhound Trust. We’ll be drawing calm and friendly sighthounds of all different sizes, breeds and colours; and all of them will be coming along with their dedicated owners. We will be learning about the characteristics of the sighthound breeds and how they evolved to be such great runners. We’ll discuss the realities of greyhound racing and some of the shocking welfare issues attached to that sport. £5 from the price of each ticket will be donated to The Greyhound Trust – a charity working to find happy homes for retired racing hounds. The charity was founded in 1975 by a few greyhound loving pals and since then has ensured over 100,000 greyhounds have gone to loving owners, and continue to rehome at least 3500 more greyhounds every year through their nationwide branches.

£5 of each ticket will be donated to the Greyhound Trust.

Very excited to share our first Sighthound Special – a day of drawing classes with Greyhounds, Whippets and Lurchers to raise money for The Greyhound Trust. We’ll be drawing calm and friendly sighthounds of all different sizes, breeds and colours; and all of them will be coming along with their dedicated owners. We will be learning about the characteristics of the sighthound breeds and how they evolved to be such great runners. We’ll discuss the realities of greyhound racing and some of the shocking welfare issues attached to that sport. £5 from the price of each ticket will be donated to The Greyhound Trust – a charity working to find happy homes for retired racing hounds. The charity was founded in 1975 by a few greyhound loving pals and since then has ensured over 100,000 greyhounds have gone to loving owners, and continue to rehome at least 3500 more greyhounds every year through their nationwide branches.

£5 of each ticket will be donated to the Greyhound Trust.

To mark the beginning of National Pet Month, we will be focussing our attention on rescue animals or cruelty cases that have gone onto thrive after being re-homed and cared for properly. We will meet and draw a variety of animals that have been rescued and now live happy and healthy lives; Jim and Jemima the Prairie Dog couple (re-homed from an owner that had done no research and was not able to give the proper care), Simon the Blue-Tongued Skink (rescued from a owner who was force breeding), Shelley the Tortoise (re-homed from a sanctuary, she has a deformed shell from improper care), Dave the Degu (was being bullied by other Degu’s in a pet shop and now lives within a lovely social group.) We will also be drawing Rabbits and Guinea Pigs, and will focus especially on responsible pet ownership with these species as well as busting some myths about the best and most ethical ways to keep our small furry friends.

We will learn more about the individual stories of these animals, and discuss the dangers facing animals in the pet industry and how we can help. 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 really make a difference.

10% of each ticket will be donated to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital.

Join us for an extra special Easter drawing class in the luxurious surrounds of the flagship Fortnum & Mason store on Piccadilly, before it opens to the public. We will be sketching charming rabbits, gregarious guinea pigs and hopefully some newly hatched baby chicks. All these animals are rescues and have found their loving forever home at Spitalfields City Farm. As well as drawing, we’ll be discovering what a rabbit ‘binky’ is, learning the guinea pig language of squeaks and discussing the importance of responsible pet ownership. Prizes to be won and plenty of sweet treats available!

Children ages 5 and over are welcome at this class, and all children must be accompanied by an adult also taking part in the drawing class.

Delighted to announce another day of drawing classes with our colourful, characterful parrots at Ace Hotel this April. We’ll be meeting and drawing four vividly colourful Macaws – Scarlet, Blue & Gold, a Military and a Hyacinth Macaw. These beautiful birds will be accompanied by one of the UK’s leading parrot experts, who works to boost populations of rare and endangered species in the wild. We will learn all about these colourful and charismatic birds; their intelligence and ability to talk, their lives in the wild and the many conservation issues affecting the birds in rainforests across the world.

10% of each ticket will be donated to the World Parrot Trust. Rooted in science, this charity is dedicated to saving the world’s parrot population by bringing together experts and conservationists to action effective programs to protect the birds and their habitats.

Delighted to announce another day of drawing classes with our colourful, characterful parrots at Ace Hotel this April. We’ll be meeting and drawing four vividly colourful Macaws – Scarlet, Blue & Gold, a Military and a Hyacinth Macaw. These beautiful birds will be accompanied by one of the UK’s leading parrot experts, who works to boost populations of rare and endangered species in the wild. We will learn all about these colourful and charismatic birds; their intelligence and ability to talk, their lives in the wild and the many conservation issues affecting the birds in rainforests across the world.

10% of each ticket will be donated to the World Parrot Trust. Rooted in science, this charity is dedicated to saving the world’s parrot population by bringing together experts and conservationists to action effective programs to protect the birds and their habitats.

Have you ever visited Spitalfields City Farm? Well, if you have you’ll know it’s a charming little corner of East London full of friendly animals, with a community garden, a cute cafe and run by people with hearts of gold. Join us for a drawing tour in May, where we’ll be exploring the farm and learning to sketch the rescue animals and the rare livestock from life! We will be hanging out in the paddocks with the donkeys; Derek and Bayleaf (full size lads from the Donkey Sanctuary) plus two adorable Miniature Donkeys named Gilbert and Sullivan. We will dropping in to draw the glorious goat herd, who enjoy using our drawing boards as head-scratching posts. We’ll also be sketching four rescued rabbit siblings (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) that often jump for joy (known as a binky) and all the rescued guinea pigs from South Essex Wildlife Hospital. You will be guided around the farm, with plenty of drawing tips and creative guidance, plus time for tea and cake!

The class will start with an introduction from Jenny the Farm Manager, where we’ll discuss the characteristics of the different animals, their origins and some of the welfare issues facing them across the world. All these animals, both large and small, are all friendly and charismatic and you’re going to love them.

This event will support Spitalfields City Farm – a charity in it’s own right – and help the farm to sustain it’s upkeep and provide homes for a whole variety of rescue animals! The farm also functions as an outdoor classroom and a source of joy for local schools and groups with learning difficulties, as well as working to conserve rare breeds of livestock.

Due to unbelievable demand, our wonderful wolves are returning to Carousel for more sketching and stroking in May. 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!

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.

10% of each ticket will be donated to Wolf Watch UK. Please EMAIL US if you would like to book this class with your gift voucher.

Anyone ever seen a Miniature Donkey? Well, at around 34 inches tall, they’re even more adorable than regular-sized donkeys. For our next class at Switchboard Studios in Walthamstow, two adorable Miniature Donkeys named Gilbert and Sullivan will be visiting from their home at Spitalfields City Farm. The class will start with an introduction from Jenny the Farm Manager, where we’ll discuss the characteristics of donkeys, their origins and some of the welfare issues facing donkeys across the world. They’re friendly and charismatic and you’re going to love them.

This event will support Spitalfields City Farm – a charity in it’s own right – and help the farm to sustain it’s upkeep and provide homes for a whole variety of rescue animals! The farm also functions as an outdoor classroom and a source of joy for local schools and groups with learning difficulties, as well as working to conserve rare breeds of livestock.

If circumstances change in the coming months due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this event will be rescheduled and tickets will be valid for a future date. If you’re not able to make the rescheduled date, full refunds will be given.

This time we’ll be drawing owls from all around the globe. We’ll be meeting three different species – the Great Horned Owl from Canada, the charismatic Bengal Eagle Owl from the warmer climates of India and the unusual Great Grey Owl hailing from across the northern hemisphere! At this point in the year we may also have some baby owlets along for the ride! We will be introduced to these fine feathers with a detailed talk from our experienced and dedicated falconer and learn about their anatomy, unique characteristics and how they’ve evolved to use sound to pinpoint their prey from the air – especially the Great Grey who uses her facial discs to locate prey under three feet of snow! Our animal handlers will be full of facts about where to see these birds in the wild 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.

If circumstances change in the coming months due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this event will be rescheduled and tickets will be valid for a future date. If you’re not able to make the rescheduled date, full refunds will be given.

This time we’ll be drawing owls from all around the globe. We’ll be meeting three different species – the Great Horned Owl from Canada, the charismatic Bengal Eagle Owl from the warmer climates of India and the unusual Great Grey Owl hailing from across the northern hemisphere! At this point in the year we may also have some baby owlets along for the ride! We will be introduced to these fine feathers with a detailed talk from our experienced and dedicated falconer and learn about their anatomy, unique characteristics and how they’ve evolved to use sound to pinpoint their prey from the air – especially the Great Grey who uses her facial discs to locate prey under three feet of snow! Our animal handlers will be full of facts about where to see these birds in the wild 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.

If circumstances change in the coming months due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this event will be rescheduled and tickets will be valid for a future date. If you’re not able to make the rescheduled date, full refunds will be given.

To highlight Mental Health Awareness Week, we will be inviting you to take some time out of your busy schedules for some mindful drawing with flowers, plants and ferns. We are all aware that being creative and spending time around nature are both proven stress relievers on their own, but when combined together they become something very powerful indeed! As well as gently guiding the group through a two hour observational drawing session, we will also be talking about how to introduce more creativity and nature into our lives and the wellbeing benefits that they can bring. Locally grown plants and seasonal flowers, succulents, cacti and other fabulous foliage will make up a variety of botanical displays to inspire your artworks. Everyone will have the opportunity to study these plants closely and a variety of materials and colours will be on offer to experiment with throughout the class.

The drawing class is open to all abilities, suitable for those with an interest in plants and after a relaxing evening of creativity, and for more experienced artists looking to try something new. The class will cater for everyone, 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. The aim of these drawing classes is to inspire a sense of appreciation and understanding for the natural world and to highlight the importance of taking care of our mental health and that of others.

10% of the ticket price will be donated to Mind, a UK charity that provides support and information for anyone with a mental health problem, as well as campaigning to destigmatise mental health issues and ensuring everyone has access to the care and services they need.

If circumstances change in the coming months due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this event will be rescheduled and tickets will be valid for a future date. If you’re not able to make the rescheduled date, full refunds will be given.

Come join us to draw and explore the Galapagos, with some of the most iconic animals from the Islands – tortoises, iguanas, geckos and snakes. Of course, the animals attending the session are not actually from the Galapagos, but distant cousins of the Giant Tortoises and Marine Iguanas that populate these incredible areas of biodiversity. We’ll be hearing from the Galapagos Conservation Trust about the unique ecosystems that exist on the islands and their influence on our own biological understanding of the world. We will also be discussing the variety of conservation projects running on the Islands to preserve this natural area of diversity and some of it’s more vulnerable animals. 10% of each ticket sold will be donated to the Galapagos Conservation Trust and there will be information for everyone to take away.

As well as drawing the terrific textures and patterns, the reptile handlers will also be full of facts about the animals they’ve brought along to the session. All animals are rescues visiting from a local reptile sanctuary which gives a happy home to unwanted pets and mistreated animals, and also runs educational sessions about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

10% of the ticket price will be donated to the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

If circumstances change in the coming months due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this event will be rescheduled and tickets will be valid for a future date. If you’re not able to make the rescheduled date, full refunds will be given.

Meet and draw the beautiful birds of our British countryside, and learn about their habitats, hunting habits and where to spot them in the wild – even in London. We’ll be meeting three different species – Nora the mythical Barn Owl, the Peregrine Falcon (the world’s fastest animal) and Titch the Little Owl, who more than makes up for his size with bags of personality! We will be introduced to these fine feathers with a detailed talk from our experienced and dedicated falconer and learn about their anatomy, unique characteristics and how they’ve evolved to use sound to pinpoint their prey from the air. Our animal handlers will be full of facts about where to see these birds in the wild 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.

These classes are being released with positivity and hope that the coronavirus outbreak will be under control by this time. If this class isn’t able to run for any reason, we will reschedule the event and tickets will be valid for a new date. Fingers and toes crossed we’ll be back drawing animals again soon. In the meantime, stay safe and look after each other.

Join us to celebrate our British Wildlife at The Holly Bush, just a stone’s throw away from Hampstead Heath – a vital area of nature which is home to grass snakes, moles, foxes, hedgehogs, six species of bats, over 180 bird species, a quarter of Britain’s spiders, 25 species of butterfly, 18 species of dragonfly and damselfly and 500 species of fungi. Of course we won’t be able to draw all these animals in one evening, but we will be drawing some related species as a way to learn about our natural ecosystem in the UK. We will be drawing African Pygmy hedgehogs, mice, rabbits, ferrets, frogs, snakes, snails and spiders! And if that’s not enough, we’ll be telling you all about the habitats, hunting habits and current conservation statuses of these animals, and what we can do to help them.

10% of each ticket sold will be donated to the Royal Parks Foundation – who protect the wildlife of London’s green spaces whilst maintaining and developing the biodiversity and sustainability of the parks. In particular, the charity have a dedicated team that are trying to protect and preserve London’s last breeding population of Hedgehogs

These classes are being released with positivity and hope that the coronavirus outbreak will be under control by this time. If this class isn’t able to run for any reason, we will reschedule the event and tickets will be valid for a new date. Fingers and toes crossed we’ll be back drawing animals again soon. In the meantime, stay safe and look after each other.

Delighted to announce not one, but two drawing classes with PENGUINS at the London Aquarium this summer. We will be starting early to sketch and learn about this delightful ‘waddle’ of Gentoo penguins (actual collective noun) before they start to wind down for their bedtime – as the conditions at the aquarium are set to mimic the light cycles, temperatures and air qualities of their natural habitat. These particular penguins are a mixture of male and female and range from 2 years old (Elton – the cheekiest!) to old girl Polly aged 23 years. Within the group there are a number of mating pairs and by the time June comes around, there may be a few eggs in those nests! Join us for this very special opportunity to sketch and observe these characterful birds and to raise money for the Sea Life Trust!

The class will start with an introduction to penguins and their habitats, and we will discuss the issues affecting their conservation in the wild, namely climate change and habitat loss. We will be a smaller class than normal to ensure everyone gets a good view of the penguins, and once they start to settle down for the night attendees will be able to head off to explore the rest of the level with their drawing boards. We’ll be on the higher level to usual and be able to view the Sea Turtles in their favourite spots, as well as the rays and the Sand Tiger sharks that patrol the tops of the tanks. We’ll also keep the Jellyfish area open too, so there will be plenty to draw!

50% of each ticket sold will be donated to the SEA LIFE Trust.

These classes are being released with positivity and hope that the coronavirus outbreak will be under control by this time. If this class isn’t able to run for any reason, we will reschedule the event and tickets will be valid for a new date. Fingers and toes crossed we’ll be back drawing animals again soon. In the meantime, stay safe and look after each other.

Our wonderful wolf pack are back again in June for more sketching and stroking on the top floor of Ace 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!

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.

If circumstances change in the coming months due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this event will be rescheduled and tickets will be valid for a future date. If you’re not able to make the rescheduled date, full refunds will be given.

Our wonderful wolf pack are back again in June for more sketching and stroking on the top floor of Ace 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!

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.

If circumstances change in the coming months due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this event will be rescheduled and tickets will be valid for a future date. If you’re not able to make the rescheduled date, full refunds will be given.

Delighted to announce not one, but two drawing classes with PENGUINS at the London Aquarium this summer. We will be starting early to sketch and learn about this delightful ‘waddle’ of Gentoo penguins (actual collective noun) before they start to wind down for their bedtime – as the conditions at the aquarium are set to mimic the light cycles, temperatures and air qualities of their natural habitat. These particular penguins are a mixture of male and female and range from 2 years old (Elton – the cheekiest!) to old girl Polly aged 23 years. Within the group there are a number of mating pairs and by the time June comes around, there may be a few eggs in those nests! Join us for this very special opportunity to sketch and observe these characterful birds and to raise money for the Sea Life Trust!

The class will start with an introduction to penguins and their habitats, and we will discuss the issues affecting their conservation in the wild, namely climate change and habitat loss. We will be a smaller class than normal to ensure everyone gets a good view of the penguins, and once they start to settle down for the night attendees will be able to head off to explore the rest of the level with their drawing boards. We’ll be on the higher level to usual and be able to view the Sea Turtles in their favourite spots, as well as the rays and the Sand Tiger sharks that patrol the tops of the tanks. We’ll also keep the Jellyfish area open too, so there will be plenty to draw!

50% of each ticket sold will be donated to the SEA LIFE Trust.

These classes are being released with positivity and hope that the coronavirus outbreak will be under control by this time. If this class isn’t able to run for any reason, we will reschedule the event and tickets will be valid for a new date. Fingers and toes crossed we’ll be back drawing animals again soon. In the meantime, stay safe and look after each other.