10 FEB 2020 LAGUNA BEACH
Californian Wildlife Biro Drawing Workshop
Blue House, Laguna Beach
10 February 2020
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
It was a privilege for Jane to work with more extremely talented women of Laguna Beach city, where art and nature are treasured, during this second adult Californian Wildlife Biro drawing workshop, and an honour to be joined by the inspirational Marinta Skupin, Curator of Education, Caitlin Reller, Assistant Curator of Education and Kristen Anthony of Laguna Art Museum, Danelle Hickman, Outreach Specialist of Ocean Institute and Staci Bina owner of Bala Shala.
Left to right: Marinta Skupin, Danelle Hickman, Kristen Anthony and Caitlin Reller
Jane's presentation for this workshop explored the enormous variety of Californian species. From coast to mountains to desert, California is brimming with endemic and iconic species. The state has 321 endangered species so this workshop highlighted ways to combat the bio-diversity crisis:
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LOOK AFTER YOUR OWN BACK YARD! Looking after local environments can help biodiversity flourish, no matter where we live. Plant pollinator-friendly plants from seed in gardens, pots and window boxes. If you don’t have a garden, volunteer for community urban or woodland planting schemes or beach clean-ups. Our gardens, parks and wild spaces can become a network of nature reserves. STOP using pesticides, nature will look after itself with birds and other insects eating greenfly on your roses! Embrace endemic weeds as the wildflowers they are and let them grow
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REDUCE CONSUMPTION: CHOOSE products that are sustainably and ethically sourced. RECYLCLE; EAT less meat; TAKE less car journeys; USE less water & power
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TELL others about climate emergency and biodiversity crisis – WORD OF MOUTH is key
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CONTACT your local Senator and voice your concerns about the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis
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DONATE to or RAISE funds for conservation organisations to help them help wildlife
Image: Jane delivering her presentation
One of the most endangered species in California is the gray wolf and the presentation included information about the famous wolf known as OR-7 who journeyed from Oregon to California in 2011. Sadly since this workshop OR-7's daughter OR-54 was killed. Read more here:
www.cbsnews.com/news/or-54-endangered-gray-wolf-that-wandered-8712-miles-found-dead-in-california/
Slide from presentation with information about gray wolves in California
Discussing the phenomenal journey and presence in California of OR-7 during Jane's presentation also reflected the work of the Wolf Conservation Center, New York who she has supported since 2012 to producing fundraising artwork:
American Dream 2014 colour Biro drawing, Jane Lee McCracken for Wolf Conservation Center
Drawings produced during this workshop were of an astonishing caliber. Marinta created an exceptional drawing of a sea otter mother and pup displaying a sumptuous and expressive drawing style. Kristen made an accomplished and iconic drawing of a sea lion and Caitlin produced an impressive and ethereal drawing of a Tule elk with a seawind swept coat. Danelle created a stunning drawing of sea otters with beautiful mark-making which she is gifting to her daughter.
Talented artist Susie Frosell produced a breathtaking drawing of a California Condor, Blythe Callanan Wheaton, an accomplished photographer, made a marvellous and detailed work in progress of a desert tortoise, Chris completed two amazing drawings of a mountain lion and Ana hummingbird and Maryann also made a striking drawing of an Ana hummingbird.
Jane was particularly proud of Julie, Staci and Susie who proved yet again that everyone can draw. With her beautiful drawing of an Island fox Julie captured adeptly this delicate species features, Staci produced a jewel of a drawing with her striking Ohlone beetle and Susie created a remarkable drawing of a California Tiger Salamander, which filled the page with its dazzling presence.
Finally, following the creation in the first adult Californian Wildlife drawing workshop of her stunning Mountain Lion drawing Kristin Hunziker returned to begin a wonderful portrait in progress of her beautiful dog Piper; Kirsten Rogers finished her sensational drawing of a Canada lynx with the most ravishing eyes and included in this gallery is a brilliant drawing by super talented John Rogers of a California Condor.
A huge thank you to Kirsten Rogers for hosting this event and to all who participated and celebrated the astonishing wildlife of this state:
Sea Otter Mother and Pup 2020 Biro drawing, Marinta Skupin
California Sea Lion 2020 Biro drawing, Kristen Anthony
Tule Elk 2020 Biro drawing, Caitlin Renner
California Condor 2020 colour Biro drawing, Susie Frosell
Ana Hummingbird 2020 colour Biro drawing, Chris
