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The London Wildlife Trust organizes drawing events where participants can illustrate animals. These events aim to foster a connection with nature and educate the public about wildlife conservation. I had the opportunity to attend one of their drawing sessions at Camley Street Natural Park.
Before drawing, I arrived at the park early to take part in the exhibition: The More You Look – outdoor exhibition. This exhibition combines nature walking and art where “The More You Look features animal artworks created at Wild Life Drawing classes over the last decade. 22 spectacular species have jumped off their pages, and are now nestled in amongst the foliage of Camley Street Natural Park. ” – https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/2024-06-20-more-you-look-outdoor-exhibition
After the walk, I went to the drawing room and collected some supplies which included colored pencils and paper. During the class we met 3 different owls, all with unique personalities, and had 40 minutes to draw each.
Though I consider myself an artists, I do not often use this medium. I found drawing owls to be difficult because I am not well practiced. Their intricate feather patterns require careful attention to detail to accurately capture their texture and appearance. The symmetry of an owl’s face, especially the large, expressive eyes and the distinctive facial disc, demands precision and skill to render correctly.
Additionally, capturing the posture and proportions of an owl can be difficult, as they often have a unique stance and silhouette. The subtle variations in shading and coloration of their plumage also present a challenge, requiring a good understanding of light and shadow. Lastly, conveying the owl’s distinctive personality and enigmatic presence through art adds another layer of complexity, making the task of drawing owls both demanding and rewarding for artists.
However, this drawing class is not about being perfect. It is about connecting to nature, which I find to be a meditative practice.
Firstly, engaging in artistic activities like drawing fosters creativity and mindfulness, helping to reduce stress and anxiety in the short term. As I was focused on drawing, I really did not think of anything else. My mind did not wander, but instead focused on the owls feathers, shape, and other details. The intricate details of an owl’s feathers and features can be meditative to observe and replicate, encouraging concentration and the therapeutic benefits of mindful attention. Overall, I had a great experience and felt very relaxed after the event.
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