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.

Next up in our online program, we will be studying some seriously charming Black Bears. Native to North America, black bear populations span all the way from Canada to Northern Mexico. They typically live in forests and are expert tree climbers, but are also found in mountains and swamps and are excellent swimmers. Despite their name, black bears can be blue-grey, blue-black, brown, or (very rarely) white. These majestic creatures are solitary and roam large territories, which can cover as much as 80 square miles.

To discover more, we’ll be teaming up with Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario Canada – who have been rescuing injured, orphaned and mistreated bears for over 40 years, releasing rehabilitated animals back into the wild whenever possible.

We will be drawing and hearing about five beautiful bears who are residents at Aspen Valley – Clyde, Furley, Honey Pot, Clover and Mama Bear – from a pack of reference imagery and footage. Autumn is the time of year when wild black bears are at their heaviest- up to 30% more so than than in summer- as they have spent the last few months gorging themselves on berries, insects and fish to prepare for hibernation. We will learn all about this process as well as black bear breeding habits and behaviour, and the threats facing their species in the wild.

The class will be hosted by Wild Life Drawing founder and artist Jennie Webber, who will take you through drawing bears step-by-step, starting off with simple shapes, studying the anatomical features and then adding details and character. We will also be joined by Sarah – a committed volunteer at Aspen Valley – to tell us all about the inspiring work her and the sanctuary team do, and answer your questions.

50% of your ticket price will be donated to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

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.

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.

We’re finally 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.

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.

As the nights draw in we will focus our next class on Nocturnal Animals – meeting and drawing species that come out only at night, with Blossom the Striped Skunk, Hoglet the Pygmy Hedgehog, Blinky the Leopard Gecko, Vega the Gambian Pouched Rat, Whites Tree Frogs and Turbo & Speedy, two Giant African Land Snails. 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 or welfare issues affecting these animals. These animals have all been rescued or rehomed, and we will take this opportunity to talk about responsible pet ownership and the current regulations in the UK around keeping exotic animals.

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. We will then be introduced to our furry, spiky, scaled and slimy friends, and we’ll learn about their particular foraging techniques and evolutionary adaptions as well as how that species is currently doing in the wild. There will be a drawing demonstrations and plenty of helpful hints and creative guidance will be on hand from from workshop leader, illustrator Jennie Webber.

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

As the nights draw in we will focus our next class on Nocturnal Animals – meeting and drawing species that come out only at night, with Blossom the Striped Skunk, Hoglet the Pygmy Hedgehog, Blinky the Leopard Gecko, Vega the Gambian Pouched Rat, Whites Tree Frogs and Turbo & Speedy, two Giant African Land Snails. 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 or welfare issues affecting these animals. These animals have all been rescued or rehomed, and we will take this opportunity to talk about responsible pet ownership and the current regulations in the UK around keeping exotic animals.

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. We will then be introduced to our furry, spiky, scaled and slimy friends, and we’ll learn about their particular foraging techniques and evolutionary adaptions as well as how that species is currently doing in the wild. There will be a drawing demonstrations and plenty of helpful hints and creative guidance will be on hand from from workshop leader, illustrator Jennie Webber.

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