WILD POSTCARD GALLERY
Wild Postcard Gallery, is an online gallery open to all ages to create and submit Biro (ballpoint pen) drawings of their favourite wild animals. Part of Artist, Jane Lee McCracken's Where Did All the Animals Go? (WDATAG?) art and environmental education project, in partnership with international wildlife charity Born Free and a group of dynamic North East teachers and Outreach Programme Teams in Guyana, Kenya and California, the gallery was launched in 2019 at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art here. Find out how to submit and view the gallery by scrolling down this page. Kenya, Guyana and California Galleries are also included below. Click here to download and print the poster.
GALLERY AIM
The aim of Wild Postcard Gallery is to spread the gift of drawing, using Jane's preferred medium, the humble Biro, and the beauty of wildlife far and wide, as well as nurturing emotional connections with vulnerable species to further help in their conservation: 'if we care, we want to conserve'.
By making a drawing of a wild animal for this gallery and sharing it with friends and family or on social media, your drawing is not only helping to highlight the rich diversity of our planet's wildlife and the unique beauty of individual species but could encourage others to get involved in species conservation.
Enjoy drawing and some creative ‘you-time’. The next time you pick up your Biro, think of the animal you drew and how the world is a better place for its existence. Remember, EVERYONE, CAN DRAW!" Jane Lee McCracken
HOW TO SUBMIT:
The concept of the online Wild Postcard Gallery is simple and open to all ages:
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Pick up a ballpoint pen (or pencil / paint if you don't have a ballpoint pen), get creative and draw your favourite wild animal on a blank postcard, piece of paper or drawing surface
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If you can't draw the animal in the wild use a found image as inspiration or draw from your imagination
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Your drawing doesn't have to be photo-realistic, express yourself and enjoy drawing and being transported. We all have our own unique drawing styles which are all valid!
- Watch Jane's video below for drawing tips and wildlife inspiration
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Send an image or scan of your drawing, your name, town and country to jane@janeleemccracken.co.uk for your drawing to be featured
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Send your drawing as a gift to someone special to brighten up their day or put it in your window for your neighbours to enjoy
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Spread the word and ask others to pick up a pen and make a drawing of their favourite wild animal for the gallery
OTHER THINGS TO DO:
Here are some things you can do to help wildlife:
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Research your favourite animal and how you can further help with its conservation
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Check out 12 Ways You Can Help Wildlife here
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Tell others about what you have learnt and how they can help wildlife
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Check out Born Free Learn at Home Packs here
Find out more about Where Did All the Animals Go? project here
WATCH THE VIDEO
The following Biro Drawing Workshop video made by Jane as a free resource features drawing tips and inspirational wildlife footage courtesy of Born Free.
WILD POSTCARD GALLERY DRAWINGS 2019 -
The gallery displays Biro drawings submitted by artists of all ages from 2 years upwards, depicting a wide array of species, including those very much ingrained in the human psyche such as Tigers and Elephants alongside lesser-known species such as the Spiderman agama lizard and the critically endangered Kakapo. The first gallery drawing of a beautiful red squirrel was submitted on 27 November 2019 by Stephanie Clarey, a teacher from Kirk Merrington. Jamie Brown, age 11 of East Linton, Scotland submitted the second drawing of a stunning black jaguar. The third drawing, a delightful bumblebee was submitted by Isabel, age 4 of Northumberland.
To date, more than 120,000 species have been assessed for The IUCN Red List and more than 32,000 of these species are considered to be threatened with extinction – 27% of assessed species. IUCN Red List
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation) Red List categories below are included in the titles of each drawing. Check out threatened species at iucnredlist.org
Jane would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to Wild Postcard Gallery and subsequently Where Did All the Animals Go? project.
2019 Drawings
2020 Drawings
A country in flames. Australian bushfires are a warning to the world. Australia's fires set off apocalyptic-looking blood red skies. Austrailia's fires: how the world has responded to the crisis: koala mittens...
Alisa Richardson has created an exquisite mixed media diptych in Biro and watercolour, featuring Arctic Wolf, Atka of the Wolf Conservation Center, NY and Red Fox for Wild Postcard Gallery.
This stunning and sensitive drawing of a hare, incorporating excellent use of colour, brings to life the primeval eyes of these beautiful creatures, now listed as endangered in the UK with a decreasing population of 700,000. For those fortunate to happen across a wild hare, Nikki has captured perfectly the sleek elegance and beguiling timidity of this ancient and beloved UK species.
One of the youngest artists to submit a drawing, Rowan Speed who recently turned four, has created a brilliant drawing of a Boa Constrictor complete with gleaming eyes and terrific fangs.
Laura Atkinson's exceptional drawings of a Reticulated giraffe bring exciting additions to the gallery. Her drawing above is a continuous line drawing created with her other hand; below right her blind continuous line drawing demonstrates brilliant line making ability presenting the familiar outline of a giraffe. Laura's daughter Elizabeth, age 5, is clearly following in her talented mother's footsteps with a wonderful drawing of an endangered Grevy's zebra!
This exquisite and deeply sensitive drawing of a critically endangered Western Lowland Silverback gorilla was created by exceptional teacher Simon Campbell who demonstrates a clear talent for drawing as well as teaching.
This stunning full colour Biro drawing with beautiful rendering, created by talented Barbora, captures the beauty of Siamese Fighting Fish also known as Betta. These freshwater fish native to the Mekong basin of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are threatened by habitat loss and pollution. Popular aquarium fish, they often face mistreatment in the pet trade and in captivity can suffer from frustration and depression. Barbora's drawing is a reminder of how precious these small yet mighty fish are.
Karen's beautiful and accomplished drawings are created with delicate mark-making that echoes the beauty of these elusive species. Her husband Steve, has also created an equally accomplished drawing of a carp with gorgeous, fluid lines. Their excellent drawings are a wonderful homage to UK species.
The following eleven Biro drawings were begun by Year 9 students of St. Wilfrid's RC College, South Shields during Jane's Wild Postcard Gallery drawing workshop on 20 January 2020. Inspirational art teacher Mrs. Gribben worked with Year 9 to finish their drawings before the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. She kindly sent in their exceptional drawings for the gallery, several of which convey impassioned messages from a generation of young people living in an era of unprecedented environmental crisis. Spare a few moments to read their appeals for change:
After making their excellent drawings of an orca, orangutan and jaguar, Caleb and Jude decided to adopt all three species. Bravo, Caleb and Jude!
Mikkel age 4 from Madrid, loves dinosaurs so he chose to draw lizard species for the gallery:
The following special contributions are Laura Gosset Head of Education and David Bolton Education Officer of Born Free and David's son Seb age 2, the youngest artist featured in the gallery! Laura and David are Co-partners of the Where Did All the Animals Go? project team who have worked tirelessly to support WDATAG project and Jane and the team are fortunate to gain from their invaluable wildlife and educational expertise.
Laura's beautiful line-making has perfectly captured the intense expression of a chimpanzee, in her stunning drawing. The chimpanzee's soulful eyes speak volumes.
David and Seb created magnificent, expressive, and incredibly touching drawings in celebration of humpback whales. This majestic species, known for its haunting song is a symbol of hope for vulnerable species.
Video: BBC Earth "The humpback whales of Alaska have developed an ingenious method of fishing for herring, but it only works if they all co-operate"
By co-operating, like the humpback whales fishing for herring in BBC Nature's spectacular video above, global conservation efforts, since its protection under the Endangered Species Act in 1973, have helped humpback whale populations recover and increase from 10,000 to 84,000 with nine of the fourteen populations IUCN conservation status relisted from Endangered to Least Concern. Enjoy David and Seb's incredible drawings below:
Below is a marvellous drawing of a Red Fox by Daisy Buckridge age 6, a beautifully expressive drawing that would work perfectly as an illustration for all the best fox stories. Daisy loves both wildlife and drawing and foxes are her favourite animals at the moment. What makes this drawing all the more special is Daisie's composition, positioning the fox on the right of the page. In the words of her father Jamie:
"I can just picture the unfortunate chicken..."
Bhavya's exquisite and extremely delicate drawing of a Prothonotary Warbler, introduces a new species to the gallery. These small songbirds inhabit East North America including Southern Ontario and winter in South America. Reminiscent of the prints by Japanese masters like Hiroshige, by drawing the warbler to the left of the page and leaving the rest of the page blank, Bhavya has created a serene atmosphere within the composition.
An outstanding Biro drawing by Rosie age 10 of a critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla. Rosie has captured the gorilla's soulful expression, in a drawing worth a thousand words.
CHILDREN'S ART WEEK
The following drawings were created for Children's Art Week (CAW) 29 June - 5 July 2020 . WDATAG? Project participated in this year's CAW to provide the opportunity for children and families to submit their drawings to Wild Postcard Gallery. CAW is run by Engage, the National Association for Gallery Education and supported in 2020 by Engage Scotland, Engage Cymru and The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust.
Magical drawing by Annabelle age 7 from Durham. Annabelle said:
"I have chosen to draw my 3 favourite endangered animals a Cheetah, Hare and Elephant. I love how fast cheetahs run, I have a rabbit so love hares and we adopt an elephant."
Stunning drawings by Vicki and her Mother, Jackie, of an Atlantic Puffin and Angolan Giraffe. Vicki has clearly inherited her immense talent from her Mum. Vicki said:
"My mum and I have been doing a few Art Nights via zoom during lockdown. We have had a running theme of women artists and tonight I chose you as our artist! So we both broke out the biros and drew an endangered animal.... And this is what we came up with!"
This wonderfully expressive drawing of a Moon Bear, also know as Asiatic black bears, by Sophie O' Connell age 9, demonstrates imaginative use of line-making to accentuate the shaggy coat these bears are renowned for. Sophie's father Daniel said:
"Sophie really enjoyed learning new ways to draw and loved finding out more about Moon Bears."
Moon Bears are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. They are threatened by habitat loss and exploitation in bear farms where their bile is collected for use in Asian medicine. Read more about this beautiful species here: www.bornfree.org.uk/animals/moon-bears
Sophie O'Connell with her Moon Bear drawing
Oliver Martin age 9 of Edinburgh who loves to draw, has created a splendid drawing of a Central America Boa, focusing on the intricate markings of this beautiful snake species.
RYHOPE JUNIOR SCHOOL, SUNDERLAND
The following outstanding drawings were created by children of Ryhope Junior School, Sunderland during Children's Art Week. Thank you to all for your stellar Biro drawings depicting an array of vulnerable species:
Emperor Penguin VU Olivia Brooks-Wilkins, Leeds University
Armadillo Olivia Brooks-Wilkins, Leeds University
Siamese Fighting Fish VU Olivia Brooks-Wilkins, Leeds University
Kangaroo Tallula Year 6, Cramlington Village Primary School
Indian Rhinoceros VU Heather Johnston, Leeds University
2021 DRAWINGS
Fire and Ice (Sumatran and white tiger) Megan Winton age 23, Kent
Moose LC Elizabeth Atkinson age 6, Whickham
Bengal Tiger EN
Bald Eagle LC
Green Turtle EN
Giant Panda VU
Cheetah VU
Giant Panda VU
Bald Eagle LC
Giant Panda VU
Cobra Mateo age 9, TOW, Laguna Beach, California
Grévy's Zebra EN Zoe Goldhawk age 9, Kent
Malayan Tiger CR Rían Wootten, Bexleyheath, Kent
Narwhal LC Rowan age 5, Sunniside, Tyne and Wear
Rowan and his Narwhal drawing
Bengal Tiger ENDANGERED Tallula, Year 6 Cramlington Primary
GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK WORKSHOP
17 August 2021
As part of Where Did All the Animals Go? exhibition at Great North Museum: Hancock, Jane was invited to deliver a drop-in wildlife Biro drawing workshop in Living Planet Gallery. Visitors of all ages, including children, parents and grandparents, created over 100 drawings of global species featured in the exhibition, some of which are critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and near threatened:
Kakapo CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (population: 204 individuals) Ruth Sheldon, Great North Museum: Hancock Team
Cheetah VULNERABLE (population: 6,674), Isla
Polar Bear VULNERABLE (population: 20,000 - 25,000), Evans
Macaroni Penguin VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Krysia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby NEAR THREATENED (population: UNKNOWN), Aya
Aye-aye ENDANGERED (population: DECREASING), Chloe age 11
Greater Prairie Chicken NEAR THREATENED (population: 360,000) Chloe age 11
Coquerel's Sifaka CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (population: UNKNOWN), Chloe age 11
Lesser Chameleon ENDANGERED (population: UNKNOWN), Harrison
Koala VULNERABLE (population: 100,000 - 500,000), Macey
Coastal Peacock Spider UNCLASSIFIED (population: UNKNOWN), Joni
Sun Parakeet ENDANGERED (population: 1000 - 2,499), Lydia
Ring-tailed Lemur ENDANGERED (population: 2,000 - 2,400), Fraser
Small Tortoiseshell UNSPECIFIED (BAP Species), Riley G.
Eurasian Red Squirrel ENDANGERED UK (population: 140,000), Teddy
Bower's Parrotfish NEAR THREATENED (population: UNKNOWN), Hallie
White Shark VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Conrad, Edinburgh
West African Giraffe VULNERABLE (population: 100,000), Sara, Edinburgh
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby NEAR THREATENED (population: UNKNOWN), Hugo age 8
Quokka VULNERABLE (population: 7,500 - 15,000), Berry
Giant Armadillo VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Geordie
Bald-headed Uakari VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Geordie
Fiji Crested Iguana CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (population: 12,000 - 14,000), Geordie
Blue-throated Macaw CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (population: 50 - 249), Berry and Geordie's Father
White Shark VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Jamie
White Shark VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Hallie
Cheetah VULNERABLE (population: 6,674), Sophia age 4 (Sophia had a plaster cast on her right arm so created the drawing with her left hand)
African Savanna Elephant VULNERABLE (population: 415,000), Emily
Lavaste's Viper VULNERABLE (population: UNKNOWN), Emily
Red-billed (White-throated) Toucan VULNERABLE (population: UNKNOWN), George
Small Tortoiseshell UNSPECIFIED (BAP Species), Edward
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby NEAR THREATENED (population: UNKNOWN), Connie
Fiji Crested Iguana CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (population: 12,000 - 14,000), Hugo
African Savanna Elephant VULNERABLE (population: 415,000), Neil
Macaroni Penguin VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Riley age 8
Radiated Tortoise CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (population: UNKNOWN), Alfie
Cheetah VULNERABLE (population: 6,674), Rafi
African Lion VULNERABLE (population: 20,000), Rafi and Isaac
Koala VULNERABLE (population: 100,000 - 500,000), Isaac
American Crocodile VULNERABLE (population: UNKNOWN), Isaac
Sun Parakeet ENDANGERED (population: 1000 - 2,499), Isaac
Dorcas Gazelle VULNERABLE (population: 35,000 - 40,000), Rafi and Diana
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby NEAR THREATENED (population: UNKNOWN), Diana
Aye-aye ENDANGERED (population: UNKNOWN), Grace
African Wild Dog ENDANGERED (population: 8,000), Brooke (Grace's Mother)
Sky Blue Poison Dart Frog ENDANGERED (population: UNKNOWN), Poppy
Northern Rockhopper Penguin ENDANGERED (population: 480,000), Olivia
Lavaste's Viper VULNERABLE (population: UNKNOWN), Seth
Lavaste's Viper VULNERABLE (population: UNKNOWN), Samuel
Small Tortoiseshell UNSPECIFIED (BAP Species), Serena
Macaroni Penguin VULNERABLE (population:DECREASING), Shirley
Cagle's Map River Turtle ENDANGERED (population: 11,000 - 13,000), Harriette and Erika
Small Tortoiseshell UNSPECIFIED (BAP Species), Scarlett
Atlantic Puffin RED (UK) VULNERABLE (Global) (population: 580,000 pairs), Caitlin
Green Turtle ENDANGERED (population: DECREASING), Evan D.
Eurasian Red Squirrel ENDANGERED UK (population: 140,000), Poppy and Daddy
Dorcas Gazelle VULNERABLE (population: 35,000 - 40,000), Rosie
African Savanna Elephant VULNERABLE (population: 415,000), Tracey Williams
Lantern Bug UNCLASSIFIED (population: UNKNOWN), Finn
Quokka VULNERABLE (population: 7,500 - 15,000), Clare
Koala VULNERABLE (population: 100,000 - 500,000), Lily
Atlantic Puffin RED (UK) VULNERABLE (Global) (population: 580,000 pairs), Tilly
Red Fox LEAST CONCERN (population: STABLE), Alaina
Scarlet Macaw LEAST CONCERN (population:DECREASING), Noah
West African Giraffe VULNERABLE (population: 100,000), Heidi
Sun Parakeet ENDANGERED (population: 1000 - 2,499), Anonymous
African Lion VULNERABLE (population: 20,000), Frankie
Red Deer LEAST CONCERN (population: INCREASING), Amy and Skyla
Black Bearded Saki ENDANGERED (population: DECREASING), Logan and Mum
Coastal Peacock Spider UNCLASSIFIED (population: UNKNOWN), Kaiser and Mum
Koala VULNERABLE (population: 100,000 - 500,000), Ellianna
African Lion VULNERABLE (population: 20,000), Cora age 11
Small Tortoiseshell UNSPECIFIED (BAP Species), Tori
Iberian Lynx ENDANGERED (population: 156), Mary
Gyrfalcon LEAST CONCERN (population: 20,000 - 49,999), Fraizer
Western Chimpanzee ENDANGERED (population: 18,000 - 65,000), Felicity age 5
Green Turtle ENDANGERED (population: DECREASING), Imarah age 8
Green Turtle ENDANGERED (population: DECREASING), Alison Taylor
Small Tortoiseshell UNSPECIFIED (BAP Species), Mabel
West African Giraffe VULNERABLE (population: 100,000), Lola-Rose
Bower's Parrotfish NEAR THREATENED (population: UNKNOWN), Harley
Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoise VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Ella Mae
Cheetah VULNERABLE (population: 6,674), Drew
Scarlet Macaw LEAST CONCERN (population:DECREASING), Ryan age 3
Tiger ENDANGERED (population: 2,154 - 3,159), Florence age 5African Savanna Elephant VULNERABLE (population: 415,000), Isabella age 7
Atlantic Puffin RED (UK) VULNERABLE (Global) (population: 580,000 pairs), Isabella age 7
Reindeer VULNERABLE (population: 2,890,400), Isabella age 7
Aye-aye ENDANGERED (population: UNKNOWN), Gabriel
Greater Prairie Chicken NEAR THREATENED (population: 360,000), Scarlet
Eurasian Red Squirrel ENDANGERED UK (population: 140,000), Scarlet
Red Wolf CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (population: 9), Paul Donnelly
Cheetah VULNERABLE (population: 6,674), Harriett age 7
Pebas Stubfoot Toad VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Harriett age 7
Atlantic Puffin RED (UK) VULNERABLE (Global) (population: 580,000 pairs), Harriett's Father
Horsfield's Tarsier VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Grace
Atlantic Puffin RED (UK) VULNERABLE (Global) (population: 580,000 pairs), Nicola, Grace's Mother
Small Tortoiseshell UNSPECIFIED (BAP Species), Lucy
Fiji Crested Iguana CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (population: 12,000 - 14,000), Theo
Tiger ENDANGERED (population: 2,154 - 3,159), Sacha and Grandpa
Small Tortoiseshell UNSPECIFIED (BAP Species), Gracie age 9
Western Chimpanzee ENDANGERED (population: 18,000 - 65,000), Lynsay
Small Tortoiseshell UNSPECIFIED (BAP Species), Lynsay
Red Deer LEAST CONCERN (population: INCREASING), Anis
Ocean Sunfish VULNERABLE (population: DECREASING), Emma
Radiated Tortoise CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (population: UNKNOWN), Jenna
KENYA GALLERY
WDATAG? Project launched Kenya Outreach Programme with Born Free Kenya in October 2020 to showcase drawings by Kenyan's of their beautiful country's rich wildlife heritage.
Jane was thrilled to receive the first drawings for the Kenya Gallery from Losioki Somoire of African Conservation Centre - US who sent artworks by children from the Amboseli Ecosystem. WDATAG? project was used as part of the children's awareness follow-activities through the African Conservation Centre Conservation Education Outreach programme. These exquisite and iconic drawings depict the treasured wildlife of Amboseli National Park:
African Buffalo NT Edward Logela, Esiteti Primary School
Elephant Queen (African Elephant VU) Duncan Mancha Tipape Form One, Olchorro Secondary School
Wildlife of Amboseli Kevin Kasaine age 13, D.E.B Primary School, Oloitoktok
Mount Kilimanjaro Wildlife Tinyao Kapaito, Esiteti Primary School
The Rhino (Black Rhino CR) Duncan Mancha Tipape Form One, Olchorro Secondary School
Superb Starling LC Edward Logela, Esiteti Primary School
The Lion (African Lion VU) Duncan Mancha Tipape Form One, Olchorro Secondary School
Leopard VU Edward Logela, Esiteti Primary School
African Wild Ass CR Edward Logela, Esiteti Primary School
African Elephants VU / African Lion VU John Thumbi
Image left: Losioki Somoire (African Conservation Centre) Jacob Louma (centre) and Edward Logela (right)
Image top: Kelvin Kasaine and Mancha Tipape
Image bottom: Edward Logela and his younger brother Tinayo Kapaito, Kelvin Kasaine and Isaack from Olowuaru Camp guide identifying a barn swallow from a bird book.
Children from Amboseli ecosystem took part in a birding week December 2020 (see images above). The children drew birds as well as other animals they were able to identify in Rombo Wildlife Conservancy:
Booted Eagle LC Duncan Mancha Tipape
African Elephant VU Tinayo Daniel Kapaito
African Fish Eagle LC Edward Logela Kapaito
Maasai Ostrich LC Edward Logela Kapaito
Grévy's Zebra EN Tinayo Daniel Kapaito
Eagle Edward Logela Kapaito
Impala LC Edward Logela Kapaito
Masai Giraffe EN Duncan Mancha Tipape
The following exquisite drawing by Jesse Kariuki Kamau age 8 is of his favourite Kenyan wild animal the Black Rhino which he would like saved for future generations:
Black Rhino CR Jesse Kariuki Kamau age 8, St James Dam School, Kajiado County
The following beautiful drawing by Benson Mwangi is of the Hirola. Benson says:
Hunter's hartebeest is a critically endangered antelope species found in eastern & south eastern Kenya. It's population is decreasing, it's my favourite Kenyan wild animal.
Hirola CR Benson Mwangi age 23, Kenya
The following schools are part of the SUSO Empower School Program in Kibera and Dagoretti areas of Nairobi, led by Peter Moll. Many thanks to Peter and participating children for creating such incredible drawings for WDATAG? Gallery:
KIBERA HAMLETS SCHOOL, NAIROBI
African Lion VU Jeyden
African Lion VU Naliva
African Elephant VU Moses
Reticulated Giraffe EN Flex
African Lion VU Student of Kibera Hamlets
African Elephant VU Student of Kibera Hamlets
African Lion VU Tonny
African Lion VU Naliva
Spotted Hyena Craig
African Lion VU Tonny
African Elephant VU Christine
African Lion VU Marion
Reticulated Giraffe EN Jeyden
African Lion VU Craig
PERIJANG EDUCATIONAL CENTRE, NAIROBI
Hippopotamus VU Shavin Machi
African Elephant VU Pole
African Elephant VU Ivy Atieno
Reticulated Giraffe EN Junit Maliae
African Lion VU Cedrick Ochieng
Reticulated Giraffe EN Nacyvender Atieno
Hippopotamus VU Jack Ochieng
Monkey Tawfiq Said
Reticulated Giraffe EN Ann Kelly
African Lion VU Kagden
Hippopotamus VU Zena Yuruf
Hippopotamus VU David Otieno
African Lion VU Viham Kiruto
African Elephant VU Stephen Kahiri
Reticulated Giraffe EN Celestine
African Lion VU Antonio
ST JULIET PRIMARY SCHOOL, NAIROBI
African Elephant VU Lieophas Maringa
African Buffalo VU Joseph Nabuko
African Lion VU Gleeson Arwanda
African Elephant VU Surzis Dahiy
Python Student St Juliet
Spotted Hyena Shereal Nusrat Mmbone
Masai Giraffe EN Tina Mwazighe
Kangaroo and Sperm Whale VU Erick Owoch
Masai Giraffe EN Erick Nakaya
Spotted Hyena Carlesilis Wayne
Masai Giraffe EN Elvis Butich
Leopard VU and Grevy's Zebra EN Owen Barack
Python Laureen Akinyi
Reticulated Giraffe EN Lily Lilian Christine
African Elephant VU Shalton Cchieng
African Elephant VU Brian Busura
African Elephant VU Brian Busura
African Elephant VU Kevin Okwatha
African Elephant VU Nicole Akinyi
Black Rhinoceros CR Eugene Osita
African Grass Owl Irene Adhiambo Otieno
Reticulated Giraffe EN Bakhita
Reticulated Giraffe EN Dennis Onyango
Reticulated Giraffe EN Fidelis Kitambi
Sperm Whale VU Aaron Ochieng
Cobra and African Lion VU Neema Kageha
Reticulated Giraffe EN Daniel Luveka
Somali Ostrich VU Serefina Akoth
Somali Ostrich VU Lydia Akinyi
Lesser Flamingo NT Fidel Odhiambu
Monkey Godfry Wanguvo
Tiger EN David Okoth
African Elephant VU Sureis Dahiy
African Elephant VU Lirine Achieng
Reticulated Giraffe EN Alice Achieng
African Lion VU Derick Abdalla
Snake Emanuel Kavulavu
African Elephant VU Maryann Arafa
Snake Roseline Munisti
Snake Madeline Mbaka
Python Tiffany Achieng
Somali Ostrich VU Everlyne Adhiambo
GREEN PASTURES PRIMARY SCHOOL, NAIROBI
African Buffalo NT Flovian Adhiambu
Blue Whale EN Said Abdaiian
Cheetah VU Charles Nyarieko
Masai Giraffe EN Neville Onyango
Spotted Hyena Joyce Aklinja
Grevy's Zebra EN Aisha Abdallah
African Lion VU Habiba Ali
Wild Animals Hanifa Ali
Bird and Fish Hamisi Zwere
African Lion VU Nora Moendi
Reticulated Giraffe EN Siam Mohamed Hassan
Owl and African Elephant VU Eric
Python Sherilen Muhonja
Seagull Omar Ibrahim
Somali Ostrich VU Triza Andayi
Reticulated Giraffe EN Eldon Nyamwange
Python, Somali Ostrich VU and Reticulated Giraffe EN Uncox Ochieng
African Lion VU Joseph Orikai Sopon
African Elephant VU Musa Roimen
African Elephant VU student of Iloirero Primary
Masai Giraffe EN Ninayiai Ngashar
Cheetah VU Evalyne Korrompoi
African Lion VU Parmeteyi
Rabbit Tisike Sunte
African Elephant VU Jeremiah Misthoka
Grey-headed Kingfisher LC Joseph Mepukori Koike, Oloikaa Primary School, Magadi, Kenya
Joseph Mepukori Koike, Oloikaa Primary School, Magadi, Kenya
GUYANA GALLERY
WDATAG? launched Guyana Outreach Programme on International Bioversity Day 22 May, 2020. The Guyana OutreachTeam includes Mayor Waneka Arrindell of Linden, Dr Raquel Thomas, Arianne Harris (Art Ambassador) and Rehana Ragoobeer of Iwokrama who you can read about in Meet the Team. Follow WDATAG Guyana Facebook page which showcases Guyana wild animal art and conservation news here. Guyana is a country not only rich in biodiversity but talented artists.
The following stunning drawing by Sophia Bhagwandeen age 18 of Georgetown, Guyana is the first drawing Jane received via WDATAG? Project Outreach Programme. Sophia's imaginative and brilliantly observed drawing of an iconic Harpy Eagle with a snake, is a pure celebration of Guyana's rich, diverse and precious wildlife, as well as a representation of the treasured relationship the project has with Guyana and the WDATAG Guyana Team. Thank you Sophia for your exceptional drawing!
A beautiful working sketch by Rehana Ragoobeer, WDATAG Co-partner, Guyana, depicting some of her favourite wild animals, including a jaguar and toucan, two iconic species which inhabit this richly biodiverse country. The team are exceptionally proud to have such multi-talented members.
This exceptional study of an endangered green sea turtle was created by Arianne Harris, WDATAG Guyana Co-Partner and the project's first Art Ambassador. Arianne is a biologist and artist with a rich family heritage in Guyanese art. Her drawing captures the delicate beauty and vulnerability of this species. Read about Arianne's life here.
The team is thrilled to have received this magnificent drawing of a Harpy Eagle by Chandradatt who said:
"I decided to participate in this activity because I saw it as something fun and creative and so I did not want to miss out on the opportunity."
This effortless drawing of a yellow-tortoise is iconic of these placid creatures, the fifth-largest tortoise species on the planet. Yellow-footed tortoise are not only threatened by habitat destruction but also hunted as food for humans and captured for the pet trade. Puja said of this gentle animal:
"I have rescued several of them here in Guyana and they hold a special place in my heart."
Since submitting her drawing Puja has shared her story:
My family and I currently have 3 adults and 6 young tortoises in our care. The three adults were rescued by my father, Roopchan, from hunters who brought them out of the interior to sell for their meat. We discovered eggs a couple months after that, which was a big surprise.
They are fed a diet of fruit and vegetables (watermelon seems to be a favorite!) and are allowed to roam freely in the yard where they eat surrounding grasses. Unfortunately, none of the tortoises have been returned to the wild as yet because they keep being brought back by hunters and the cycle continues.
Shane's monumental drawing of a critically endangered Great Hammerhead Shark is a tremendously important submission to this gallery. Not only does the drawing illustrate the beauty of this marine species but Shane's statement captures the aim of WDATAG project:
"I drew a Great Hammerhead Shark because I feel not enough people in Guyana realize that we have quite a few marine shark species in our waters, and it is important to identify this because species such as the great hammerhead shark are endangered while many of us do not even know that they live in our waters."
Hema Persaud's outstanding drawing of a Great Armadillo, also demonstrates an imaginative technique, darkening the paper surrounding the drawing but leaving a band unrendered as if to further emphasis the armadillo's shield mentioned in Hema's statement here:
"The word armadillo when translated from Spanish to English means “little armored one”. I was inspired to draw such a fascinating mammal based upon this fact because although such a small animal is very vulnerable, it has it's own shield provided naturally. Such a tough shell is composed of boney plates in the dermis covered by horny scales."
At just 11 years old Troyanna has created a monumental drawing of a Jaguar, again demonstrating just how highly regarded this species is in Guyana. Troyanna's drawing is a true celebration of this beautiful species renown for its alluring golden eyes and exquisite coat which is adorned with black rosettes. Jaguars are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, Human wildlife conflict and the illegal trade in wildlife. Where once they were hunted for their coats, due to anti-fur campaigns and laws protecting this species the demand for jaguar fur coats has waned but they are still hunted for their fur and body parts. With around 17,000 remaining in the wild, their population is sadly decreasing and their conservation status is now listed by the IUCN as NEAR THREATENED.
Read more about the jaguar here:
https://www.bornfree.org.uk/animals/jaguars
It's always great to meet the artists behind the drawings. Here are Rebecca Jamnah, and friend Royquinn Fredericks with the fantastic, bold and iconic drawings they created of their favourite wild Guyana animals. Rebecca has a degree in Earth and Environmental Studies and said:
"I love wildlife and everything you guys are doing. Keep up the good work!" Thank you Rebecca.
Reanna's tremendous drawing was accompanied with an insightful statement that captures the essence of WDATAG? project perfectly - to highlight the array of exciting species humans are fortunate to share the planet with and to recognise each animal as an individual being that lives its life according to its needs. Reanna said:
Another extraordinary drawing of a Jaguar by a very talented 8 year old from Guyana. Dario has captured the iconic roar in the face of this mighty big cat.
Sophia's poignant statement accompanying her beautiful tiger drawing, reflects the effects of manmade destruction on the natural world both globally and in her home country of Guyana. Her statement also echoes one of the pivotal aims of WDATAG? project, to give children, communities, and wildlife a voice. Sophia said:
"Although tigers are not found in my country they are beautiful and magnificent creatures. They are NOT safe in their own habitat, a place they call home. Humans are the greatest threat to these magnificent creatures. While some choose to save them many choose to destroy them. Although there are an estimated 3,900 species alive today, that's still not enough and much work needs to be done. In the 1900s they were approximately 100,000 species alive. Of the nine subspecies of tigers only six species are alive today. From skin to bones, humans take everything from them including their homes. HUMANS ARE NEVER SATISFIED. They will keep hunting and taking until nothing is left. The earth is home to animals as well and not only humans but because these animals don't have a voice, humans choose to take everything they want."
Jaguar VU Mary Melville, age 17 orphanage for girls, Guyana
Kingfisher LC Kimberly Singh, Georgetown, Guyana
IWOKRAMA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE STAFF WORKSHOP
Mark
Pebas Stubfoot Toad VU Leonie, Fairview, Guyana
MACKENZIE PRIMARY, LINDEN: GUYANA WILDLIFE WORKSHOPS
Guiana Spider Monkey NT Mayor Waneka Arrindell, WDATAG? Guyana Team
Beebe's Rocket Frog VU Mayor Waneka Arrindell, WDATAG? Guyana Team
Mayor Waneka Arrindell, WDATAG? Guyana Team
Black Caiman CD (Conservation Dependent) Reshma Persaud, WDATAG? Guyana Team
Reshma Persaud, WDATAG? Guyana Team
Harpy Eagle NT Micah Davis, Head Ranger Iwokrama International Centre
Lowland Tapir VU Micah Davis, Head Ranger Iwokrama International Centre
Micah Davis, Head Ranger Iwokrama International Centre
Blue-cheeked Amazon EN Camille Cummings Mackenzie Primary Head Mistress, Linden Guyana
Camille Cummings Mackenzie Primary Head Mistress, Linden Guyana
Yellow-footed Tortoise VU Mackenzie Primary Headmistress, Linden Guyana
Sun Parakeet EN Zoya, Linden, Guyana
Zoya, Linden, Guyana
Giant Anteater VU Nafisah, Linden, Guyana
Blue-cheeked Amazon EN Nafisah, Linden, Guyana
Nafisah, Linden, Guyana
Red-rumped Agouti LC Latoya, Linden, Guyana
Harpy Eagle NT Latoya, Linden, Guyana
Bush Dog NT Shaquanna, Linden, Guyana
Lowland Tapir VU Grace Hall, Linden, Guyana
Yellow-footed Tortoise VU Natasha, Linden Guyana
Natasha, Linden Guyana
Pale-throated Three-toed Sloth LC Shurma Williams, MacKenzie Primary Teacher, Linden, Guyana
CALIFORNIA GALLERY
WDATAG? Project founded the California Outreach Team in April 2020 led by project PR Kirsten Rogers and Danelle Hickman of Ocean Institute who you can read about in Meet the Team. The first drawings for the gallery were created during WDATAG? Californian Wildlife Drawing Workshop in collaboration with the prestigious Laguna Art Museum and the museum's Imagination Celebration virtual event, April 25, 2020.
There are 305 species federally listed as endangered or threatened, some of which are endemic to California such as Ohlone tiger beetle, California condor and California tiger salamander. Check out and the list of species here.
Kirsten and Rosie Rogers with their bee and butterfly drawings
Laguna Beach residents Kirsten Rogers and her daughter Rosie chose to make an incredible drawing of South California's beloved Monarch butterfly and an outstanding honey bee drawing. Kirsten said, "Rosie and I went on a scavenger bike ride this morning to inspire our art. Rosie found a Monarch and I found a bee - he's a Keyworker too."
Rosie and Kirsten displayed their drawings in the window of their house in celebration of creativity and in solidarity for nature’s gift of wildlife to us all.
Lucas Grieve age six and Linnea Grieve age eight created brilliant drawings exploring two wonderful endemic species of California, the San Francisco Garter Snake and Santa Catalina Island Fox. Both species are federally protected and listed as endangered.
In his drawing, Lucas not only highlights this beautiful snake species vibrant colouring but also employs great skill in the construction of the snake's skin patterns. This species inhabits San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties with around 1,000 - 2,000 remaining in the wild.
One of six subspecies of island fox which inhabit the Channel Islands of California, Linnea captures the adorable face of this species beautifully, bringing the fox to life with her amazing use of mark-making to suggest its fur. There are thought to be around 1,500 Santa Catalina Island foxes remaining in the wild.
Jane was heartened to receive the following statement from Linnea and Lucas's Mother, Shanette:
"What a wonderful idea to use art as an opportunity for children to learn and share about the endangered and threatened animals that live around them. These are two special species that my kids had not known about previously and now they have spent the good part of a day researching their conservation issues and drawing their pictures. This makes me so happy. Spreading awareness, appreciation, and hopefully one day, advocacy".
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
22 July 2020
In celebration of WDATAG? project's collaboration with Kenya, our PR Kirsten Rogers and her close friends, Amy and Laura created a coalition of cheetahs:
Cheetah VU Kirsten Rogers, Laguna Beach, California
WILDLIFE DRAWING WORKSHOP IN COLLABORATION WITH LAGUNA ART MUSEUM, ART & NATURE FAMILY FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 8, 2020
As part of the prestigious Laguna Art Museum's Art & Nature Family Festival, 2020, Jane was invited to deliver a wildlife Biro drawing workshop. Children and families created the following outstanding drawings:
Sea Otters EN Iona Reller age 6, Irvine
Three-toed Sloth Avery age 8, California
Island Fox NT Tessa Durand age 10, California
African Lion VU Tessa Durand age 10, California
Sea Otter EN Sarah Durand age 10, California
Anna Hummingbird Jack Jameson age 6, California
Bird of prey Jack Jameson age 6, California
Brown Pelican Jamie Jameson, California
Anna Hummingbird Alec Turner, Laguna Beach
Hummingbird Amy Turner, Laguna Beach