Northern Spotted Owl Pencil Drawing

I saw an article on the redwoods in National Geographic and it featured a lovely spotted owl.  She was so cute I had to sketch her out.

Ribbon Seals Finished Illustration

As the poles melt, we are finding out more than we've ever known about ice seals.  Ribbon seals are only one variety of ice seal. They are usually so remote that studying them in the wild has proved difficult.  With global warming, they are swimming further inland and further south and have even been seen on the northwest coast of the US.  

I've drawn this little family on an iceberg, surrounded by sea and sky.  I like to imagine it's quiet and peaceful when the weather is fair.

The pup could be confused with a harp seal pup, but when as the little pediped gets bigger, distinctive ribbons of white wrap around his rich black brown coat.

Hairy Frog Fish Finished Illustration

I was so engulfed in the Zen of illustration, that I forgot to save an in progress of the the color on these two.  Hairy frog fish move by gulping in water and propelling it out their gills.  They steady themselves with their little fin "feet".  Mostly they remain motionless on the bottom and camouflage perfectly in with coral and sponges.   The wave their lure enticingly and snap up prey with an amazing strike speed.  They will even try to eat fish much larger than themselves.  They change color as they age, going through a wide range of hues in their lifetimes.

Personally, I think their striation brings to mind the lion fish.  I wonder if they are relatives.

Ribbon Seals In Progress

I've been mildly obsessed with these since one was spotted on a dock in the Northwest US last month.  They normally spend their lives at sea and on the ice. I drew them with 4H and 6B pencils, and decided to work the background color first.

Hairy Frog Fish Pencil Drawing

I have a friend in Australia who adores this strange little fish.

You Are Here Spot for Ottawa Park, In Progress

I've scanned the pencil drawing, and finished the background. I just have to color the critters.  They are turtles playing hockey, a possum family flying a kite, a mallard and heron boating and a squirrel and raccoon golfing.

Dascyllus Illustration

I love the lookout fish!  This was easier to work in layers, there are about 9 here.  The coral was tricky, but worth the effort.  The final print will be 11x14 inches and I hope Ellen smiles every time she looks at her fish!