Bird a Day #51

Yikes, I should know what this bird is! But it's a beautiful black bird with a very red orange beak. Saw him at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

More zoo and aquarium sketches.

So these critters don't qualify as "Bird a Day" but I wanted to share them anyway. Over the course of a long weekend, we explored both the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Francisco Zoo. What a neat experience getting to see new critters. I took lots of pics and got some drawing in.

Otters at Moss Landing and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

Reticulated Giraffes at the San Francisco Zoo.

Resting Kangaroo and Sleeping Koala at the SF Zoo.

Some sort of sheep at the Children's Petting Zoo at the SF Zoo.

Bird a Day #50

For #50 I decided to save this drawing. At the Monterey Bay Aquarium we got to get up close and personal with an Albatross. It was BEAUTIFUL. And even better than just being near it, was that it enjoyed being scratched on the head like a cat. So cute. I loved this bird and getting to see it in such a unique setting. Unfortunately this drawing is in the middle of the page and our scanner had a hard time catching it - but you get the gist.

Bird a Day #49

Yet another sketchbook page. The San Francisco Zoo was a fun day for me. I got to see some new creatures and got to draw a little bit. (it started raining and wet pages make for sloppy drawings) I did get to draw inside for a bit despite the rain. Here is the scarlet ibis for #49.

Bird a Day #48

Another sketchbook page. This time from the San Francisco Zoo. You just can't go wrong with African Penguins. They might be one of my favorites to draw. Such characters and personality.

Bird a Day #47

If you've been around this blog awhile, you will know that I once challenged myself to draw daily. Well, like most of my art, that took a hiatus. However, I have been wanting to try it again. So interspersed with other artwork I will re-start the bird a day. For #47 I'm posting a page from my sketchbook that I did recently. So maybe it could count for four? Just kidding. We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and saw puffins. I was floored. They are pretty cool creatures. Here are some drawings of them.

Peanut.

I've had the pleasure of painting critters for Joan three times now. She started as a friend of a dear friend, but has now become a friend of mine too. You may remember Max and Zoe. This is her new critter Peanut and what a character she is. I love seeing pictures of her and man, is she gorgeous! Thanks Karen for loving me enough to commission artwork for your dear friends and thanks Joan for being such a lovely person to paint for. You both are so encouraging!

Peanut.