BATS
Wednesday 21st October 2020
7pm-8pm BST
Instagram Live
Free, donations welcome.
As we’re nearing Halloween, our next Instagram Live will focus on bats – a mythical, magical but much-misunderstood mammal. I’ll be showing you how to draw these cute and complex creatures, paying special attention to their tiny faces and accentuated features. Here in the UK we have 18 species of bats (none of which will drink your blood) and we’ll be using this class to find out about their incredible hunting techniques using their sonar super senses, plus some tips on how to help bats out from the Bat Conservation Trust. As always, this will be a step-by-step drawing tutorial from reference images that you can follow along with live, so all ages and abilities are very welcome!
To take part you’ll need to download the Reference Image Pack – available here and on the Instagram profile a week prior to the class taking place. More information will be released closer to the time regarding materials. If you don’t have exactly the same kit, don’t worry – you can draw along in whatever materials you have to hand.
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 the farms and animal handlers that we work with. This week 50% of all donations will be donated to the Bat Conservation Trust. 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 all draw together.
HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
Thursday 29th October 2020
6pm-7.15pm BST
Online Zoom Class
£10
Snakes, spiders and dragons (of the bearded variety) will be the spooky stars of our online Halloween Special this year. We’ll be joined online by some of the rescued reptiles and arachnids that have been rehomed by Snakes Alive, and we will have a chance to observe these animals up close without any fear (perfect for those trying to overcome a phobia!) As well as drawing, we will be busting some myths about snakes and spiders, and improving their reputations with some fantastic facts.
The class will begin with an introduction from WLD founder and artist Jennie Webber, who will take you through the basics of drawing animals from life. There will be a drawing demonstration of the shapes, proportions and anatomical features to identify – before we go live to the animals themselves! We will then switch screens to be introduced to our regal reptiles with fun facts and conservation information. We’ll spend just over one hour drawing the different species.
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 Zoom link to join and some reference images 24 hour before the event is due to start.
MINIATURE PIGLETS
Tuesday 3rd November 2020
6pm-7.15pm GMT
Online Zoom Class
£10
Baby Miniature Piglets have been born on the farm and we will be drawing them over Zoom on Tuesday 3rd November, what a special treat! This litter of piglets will be at almost four weeks, old enough to be independent from mum but still teeny-tiny and unbelievably cute. As always we’ll be hearing from pig expert Marc Cox about farming practices, welfare standards and how we can use our purchase power to help, but also how curious, clever, charismatic and affectionate pigs are.
The class will begin with an introduction from WLD founder and artist Jennie Webber, who will take you through the basics of drawing animals from life. There will be a drawing demonstration of the shapes, proportions and anatomical features to identify – before we go live to the piggies themselves! We will then switch screens to be introduced to our precious piglets and we’ll be able to see them close up and at their level, usually all asleep in a pile!
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 Zoom link to join and some reference images 24 hour before the event is due to start.
BRITISH BIRDS
Wednesday 14th October 2020
7pm-9pm
at Walthamstow Wetlands
£30
Excited to be back at the beautiful Wetlands with British Birds this Autumn, where we will be sketching Kestrels, Barn Owls and Titch the Little Owl. All species are indigenous to the UK, and as well as drawing we will be learning about where to spot these birds in their native habitats and any conservation issues affecting them. We will be introduced to these fine feathers with a detailed talk from our experienced falconer and learn about their anatomy, habitat adaptions and how they’ve evolved to be expert aerial hunters. All these birds are truly charismatic 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.
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.
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 and local wildlife groups to rescue, rehabilitate and re-release wild birds of prey around the South of England.
A percentage of the ticket price will be donated to Wathamstow Wetlands.
NOCTURNAL ANIMALS
Saturday 24th October 2020
11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm
at Carousel, W1U 8AB
£30
As the nights draw in, we will focus our next drawing class on Nocturnal Animals – meeting and drawing species that are designed for the dark, including skunks, pygmy hedgehogs, sugar gliders, Gambian pouched rats, opossums and more! Each of these animals has evolved super senses, either acute hearing, a sensitive nose or big eyes to let in what little light there is. We will hear about the amazing nighttime habits these animals have developed, as well as learning about their diet, habitat and any conservation issues affecting these animals.
10% of each ticket sold will be donated to the 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.
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 comfortable in different environments, 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, whilst mirroring their natural behavior. All animals go through a ‘Heath and Happiness’ test before attending any external events, and are rewarded with their favourite foods. And please don’t worry – all these animals are happy in the daytime too.
10% of the ticket price will be donated to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital.
RAINFOREST ANIMALS
Tuesday 27th October 2020
7pm-9pm
at London Aquarium, SE1 7PB
£30
We’re finally back at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium with a rescheduled class to explore their incredible Rainforest area. 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.
The aquarium works closely with it’s partner charity, the SEA LIFE Trust, to protect marine wildlife and habitats across the world and to communicate key conservation message to it’s visitors. It is also involved in several breeding conservation programs and works with many organisations including Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Save Our Seas, and The Shark Trust to increase the protection of marine reserves around the world. The charity have most recently set up a Beluga whale sanctuary in Iceland, providing a natural home for cetaceans rescued from aquariums and parks.
50% of each ticket sold will be donated to the SEA LIFE Trust.
PENGUINS
Saturday 7th November 2020
5pm-7pm
at London Aquarium, SE1 7PB
£30
We’re finally going to be able to draw the penguins in real life! We will be starting at 5pm (after public opening hours but before their bedtime) 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 3 years old (Elton – the cheekiest!) to old girl Polly aged 24 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!
The aquarium works closely with it’s partner charity, the SEA LIFE Trust, to protect marine wildlife and habitats across the world and to communicate key conservation message to it’s visitors. It is also involved in several breeding conservation programs and works with many organisations including Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Save Our Seas, and The Shark Trust to increase the protection of marine reserves around the world. The charity have most recently set up a Beluga whale sanctuary in Iceland, providing a natural home for cetaceans rescued from aquariums and parks.
50% of each ticket sold will be donated to the SEA LIFE Trust.
UNUSUAL OWLS
Saturday 21st November 2020
11am-1pm
at Mama Shelter, E2 8PP
£30
Get ready to meet some unusual owls from all around the globe! For our first drawing classes within the cosy confines of the new Mama Shelter Hotel in Shoreditch, we’ll be sketching the fine feathers of a Great Grey Owl, a huge female European Eagle Owl and a rare pure white Barn Owl named Halo. The class will begin with a short talk from our experienced and dedicated falconer and we will 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.
Mama Shelter has a lovely bar/cafe/restaurant that is open all day long for snacks, meals and drinks if you fancy having some brunch before your class, or a cosy cocktail afterwards. Wild Life Drawers are going to be given priority booking for the luscious plant-filled Garden Room for the day, so please get in touch if you would like to book a space for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks!
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.
UNUSUAL OWLS
Saturday 21st November 2020
2pm-4pm
at Mama Shelter, E2 8PP
£30
Get ready to meet some unusual owls from all around the globe! For our first drawing classes within the cosy confines of the new Mama Shelter Hotel in Shoreditch, we’ll be sketching the fine feathers of a Great Grey Owl, a huge female European Eagle Owl and a rare pure white Barn Owl named Halo. The class will begin with a short talk from our experienced and dedicated falconer and we will 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.
Mama Shelter has a lovely bar/cafe/restaurant that is open all day long for snacks, meals and drinks if you fancy having some brunch before your class, or a cosy cocktail afterwards. Wild Life Drawers are going to be given priority booking for the luscious plant-filled Garden Room for the day, so please get in touch if you would like to book a space for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks!
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.
SHARKS
Tuesday 24th November 2020
7pm-9pm
at London Aquarium, SE1 7PB
£30
This November we’re back for a real-life after-hours class at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium to get up close and personal with Sharks. Our drawing class will focus on the two largest shark tanks in the aquarium; home to Sand Tiger Sharks, Nurse Sharks and White and Black Tip Reef Sharks. As well as these shark species, there are also two rescued Green Sea Turtles, Southern and Cownose Stingrays and a Bowmouth Guitarfish – half shark/half ray – alongside a multitude of fish. Although we will predominantly be focussing on Sharks, attendees will have free rein of the aquarium to draw from all the species.
The class will start with an introduction to the aquarium’s marine life and the conservation issues affecting sharks across the globe. Attendees will be able to explore the shark tanks with their drawing boards and helpful hints and guidance will be on hand from workshop leader, illustrator Jennie Webber. 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.
The aquarium works closely with it’s partner charity, the SEA LIFE Trust, to protect marine wildlife and habitats across the world and to communicate key conservation message to it’s visitors. It is also involved in several breeding conservation programs and works with many organisations including Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Save Our Seas, and The Shark Trust to increase the protection of marine reserves around the world. The charity have most recently set up a Beluga whale sanctuary in Iceland, providing a natural home for cetaceans rescued from aquariums and parks.
50% of each ticket sold will be donated to the SEA LIFE Trust.
RESCUE DOGS
Sunday 29th November 2020
11am-1pm
at Carousel, W1U 8AB
£30
Delighted to announce another special drawing class in collaboration with Wild at Heart Foundation to raise money and awareness for their worthy canine causes. We’ll be drawing WAHF rescue dogs of all different sizes, breeds and colours; and all of them have happy rehoming stories to tell. We will hear about some of the abuse suffered by dogs in countries where the laws protecting animals are not reinforced, and learn about some of the success stories, where special dogs have been able to have specialist surgery funded by donations and how we can get involved to help!
£10 from the price of each ticket will be donated to Wild at Heart Foundation – and we’ll be joined by members of their team (along with their rescue dogs) to tell us all in person about some of the neutering projects they run overseas and how they’re working to combat the brutal mistreatment suffered by strays, plus advice on ways we can get involved to help. This charity works to compassionately reduce the world’s 600 million stray dog population by organising rescue projects, neutering programmes and education initiatives.
RESCUE DOGS
Sunday 29th November 2020
2pm-4pm
at Carousel, W1U 8AB
£30
Delighted to announce another special drawing class in collaboration with Wild at Heart Foundation to raise money and awareness for their worthy canine causes. We’ll be drawing WAHF rescue dogs of all different sizes, breeds and colours; and all of them have happy rehoming stories to tell. We will hear about some of the abuse suffered by dogs in countries where the laws protecting animals are not reinforced, and learn about some of the success stories, where special dogs have been able to have specialist surgery funded by donations and how we can get involved to help!
£10 from the price of each ticket will be donated to Wild at Heart Foundation – and we’ll be joined by members of their team (along with their rescue dogs) to tell us all in person about some of the neutering projects they run overseas and how they’re working to combat the brutal mistreatment suffered by strays, plus advice on ways we can get involved to help. This charity works to compassionately reduce the world’s 600 million stray dog population by organising rescue projects, neutering programmes and education initiatives.
Wild Life Drawing is proud to support all kinds of animals charities through our ticket sales.
To date we have worked with the RSPB, the Sea Life Trust, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the British Hen Welfare Trust, Farms not Factories, Wolf Watch UK, Wild at Heart Foundation, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, the South Essex Wildlife Hospital and the Galapagos Conservation Trust to name but a few, raising money and awareness for welfare and conservation issues around the globe. 10% of our total annual profits are donated to good causes.
BABY OWLS
Carousel
Botanical Illustration
Garden Museum
Rescue Dogs
Town Hall Hotel
Miniature Piglets
Royal Society of Sculptors
BESPOKE BOOKINGS
Thinking of bespoke drawing class for a special occasion, or gifting a drawing lesson to a beloved animal lover?
