JEN KELLER ART

We had our first trip to the Oakland Zoo this week... and it was a trip! Doing Plein-air in Italy this summer was difficult enough. But now I'm drawing moving targets. A whole different ball of wax! The zoo itself was great, and it turned out to be a gorgeous day. After days and days of rain, the sun finally decided to show it's face. This made the animals more active, which was great because we could see them, but a bit more difficult to draw. I visited many animals, and attempted to draw the camels, tigers, otters, monkeys, lions, elephants, and tortoises. Joe told us our first day would be difficult...and he was right! But it not only was hard, it was fun. I really wish I could go to the zoo and draw there every day. Instead the dog park will just have to do!

Yesterday was our first day on the field with my Animal Life Drawing class with Joe Weatherly. joeweatherly.net I'm so excited about this class I could burst! To be able to draw animals for 4-6 hours a day seems like a dream... Our first day we went to the new California Academy of Sciences. Here, there are few live animals (with the exception of the Penguins, Alligators, and a variety of sea life.) It was good because we didn't have to worry about the animals moving at all! My first animal was a green anaconda. He was a good model because he didn't move at all! I also attempted the stuffed giraffe that's on display in the hallway. He was actually challenging, not only because of his bizarre proportions, but also the perspective was tricky. I also worked on a zebra and lions... very challenging as well,. Next week we go to the zoo! I'm excited about this trip...

As I've been working on my book, I've been finding the importance of drawing from life. Luckily, I live with one of my main characters! Here are some sketchbook ditties to enjoy...