Horse eating a drawing

VIEW CLASSES

Cat painting a picture with ipad

VIEW CLASSES

IN-PERSON CLASSES

WOLVES

Thursday 21st March 2024 7pm-9pm Royal Society of Sculptors, SW7 3RA £35 (10% donated)

Show full details

Sharpen your pencils and your claws, and come join our pack! At this class we will be drawing our favourite family of British Lupine wolf-dogs. This stunning hybrid species have real wolves in their bloodline, and are dead ringers for their wild relatives. They howl at the moon and live in a pack, but are gorgeously tame and friendly. Our pack also happen to be quite the celebrities, having starred in photoshoots, TV shows and films- try to act cool when you meet them though, yeah?

Hosting the session will be animal-obsessed illustrator Laura Cuppage, who will guide you through the process of drawing wolf-dogs from life. She will provide her top tips on drawing moving models, and will be all ears for any questions you have. We will also be joined by “head wolf” Natalie Langstrom, who will share the extensive knowledge of these animals she’s gathered over her many years working as a canine behavioural expert. Natalie is a fierce advocate for wild wolves and will give an insight into the species and their conservation.

10% of each ticket will be donated to Wolf Watch UK.

MINIATURE PIGS

Sunday 24th March 2024 11am-1pm Town Hall Hotel, E2 9NF £35 (10% donated)

Show full details

What better way to spend a Sunday than making friends with a couple of adorable miniature pigs? Join us for a fun-filled drawing class where we will bust some myths about this wonderful species! Often portrayed as stupid and smelly, pigs are in fact very clean, and highly intelligent. They are emotional creatures that form close bonds, love to explore, and are great problem solvers.

We will be joined by the team at Kew Little Pigs, who will be bringing along two of their finest youngsters- Bambi and Kingsley. These spirited siblings love being made a fuss of and are ready to strut their stuff. The class will be led by artist Laura Cuppage, who will get you started with her top tips for drawing moving ‘models’. Throughout the session, Laura will be on hand with as much creative guidance as you’d like, and the Kew Little Pigs team will be all ears for your piggy ponderings.

10% of each ticket will be donated to Farms Not Factories.

MINIATURE PIGS

Sunday 24th March 2024 2pm-4pm Town Hall Hotel, E2 9NF £35 (10% donated)

Show full details

What better way to spend a Sunday than making friends with a couple of adorable miniature pigs? Join us for a fun-filled drawing class where we will bust some myths about this wonderful species! Often portrayed as stupid and smelly, pigs are in fact very clean, and highly intelligent. They are emotional creatures that form close bonds, love to explore, and are great problem solvers.

We will be joined by the team at Kew Little Pigs, who will be bringing along two of their finest youngsters- Bambi and Kingsley. These spirited siblings love being made a fuss of and are ready to strut their stuff. The class will be led by artist Laura Cuppage, who will get you started with her top tips for drawing moving ‘models’. Throughout the session, Laura will be on hand with as much creative guidance as you’d like, and the Kew Little Pigs team will be all ears for your piggy ponderings.

10% of each ticket will be donated to Farms Not Factories.

CHICKS (FAMILY CLASS)

Friday 5th April 2024 10.30am-11.30am Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH £25 (10% donated)

Show full details

*Please note that gift vouchers are not valid on this class, as the venue are managing the ticket sales.*

Hop into Spring with a fun and feathery family class drawing dainty and adorable chicks. Our ‘models’ will be newly hatched baby chickens from Mudchute Farm, who will be carefully brought along to the class by our friendly farm animal expert Michelle. Each of the chicks we will draw is a rare breed, and most are on the Rare Breed Survival Watchlist. We can’t say for sure just yet, but we are hoping to be joined by some ducklings too, pending hatching success. While we draw we will learn all about the fascinating life cycle of these birds and there will be plenty of time for questions too, so even the most curious little minds will be satisfied!

No need to get in a flap about your artistic skills, because artist Jennie Webber will be on hand throughout the session with plenty of creative guidance. The class will begin with some warm-up exercises which are sure to get the whole family sketching. We will provide everything you need- paper, pencils and lots of colourful materials- but feel free to bring along your own kit if you’d like. By the end of the session, you will have lots of new facts about ducks and chickens as well as some lovely drawings to take home.

10% of each ticket will be donated to British Hen Welfare Trust.

CHICKS (FAMILY CLASS)

Friday 5th April 2024 12.30pm-1.30pm Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH £25 (10% donated)

Show full details

*Please note that gift vouchers are not valid on this class, as the venue are managing the ticket sales.*

Hop into Spring with a fun and feathery family class drawing dainty and adorable chicks. Our ‘models’ will be newly hatched baby chickens from Mudchute Farm, who will be carefully brought along to the class by our friendly farm animal expert Michelle. Each of the chicks we will draw is a rare breed, and most are on the Rare Breed Survival Watchlist. We can’t say for sure just yet, but we are hoping to be joined by some ducklings too, pending hatching success. While we draw we will learn all about the fascinating life cycle of these birds and there will be plenty of time for questions too, so even the most curious little minds will be satisfied!

No need to get in a flap about your artistic skills, because artist Jennie Webber will be on hand throughout the session with plenty of creative guidance. The class will begin with some warm-up exercises which are sure to get the whole family sketching. We will provide everything you need- paper, pencils and lots of colourful materials- but feel free to bring along your own kit if you’d like. By the end of the session, you will have lots of new facts about ducks and chickens as well as some lovely drawings to take home.

10% of each ticket will be donated to British Hen Welfare Trust.

CHICKS

Tuesday 9th April 2024 7pm-9pm Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW £35 (10% donated)

Show full details

*Please note that gift vouchers are not valid on this class, as the venue are managing the ticket sales.*

Join us to celebrate the arrival of Spring with an especially cute class drawing newly hatched chicks. These downy darlings will be flying over from their home at Mudchute Farm, accompanied by our friendly farm animal expert Michelle. Each of the chicks we will draw is a rare breed, and most are on the Rare Breed Survival Watchlist. We can’t say for sure just yet, but we are hoping to be joined by some ducklings too, pending hatching success! While we draw we will discuss animal welfare in the egg production industry, and a representative from the British Hen Welfare Trust will give us some advice about egg labelling, as well as telling us about the charity’s wonderful work rescuing retired commercial hens.

The class will be led by nature illustrator Laura Cuppage, who will begin with an introduction to drawing animals from life, and her top tips on drawing moving animals. The class is open to all abilities, and all artistic styles are celebrated. We will provide everything you need to get drawing- drawing boards, paper and a range of materials- but feel free to bring along your own kit if you’d like. Our goal for the session is for you to leave with both some lovely drawings and a greater understanding and appreciation of the species we have drawn.

10% of each ticket will be donated to British Hen Welfare Trust.

FARMYARD TOUR

Sunday 14th April 2024 12pm-2pm Spitalfields City Farm, E1 5AR £35 (£10 donated)

Show full details

Let’s celebrate the arrival of Spring with a cheerful romp around the farm, shall we? At this class we will draw lovely lambs, gorgeous guinea pigs, beautiful bunnies and cheeky chickens. While we sketch the animals, farm manager Jenny will teach us all about each species and tell us about the outreach projects that take place at the farm, which help local people foster a connection to nature. We will also have a chance to wander through the space to admire the other species, and check out the community veg garden.

The class will be led by nature artist Jennie Webber, who will begin with an introduction to observational drawing. Of course, our “models” aren’t likely to hold a pose for us (unless they feel like having a kip) but worry not because Jennie has plenty of tips and tricks which will help you draw moving animals. The class is open to all abilities, and all artistic styles are celebrated. We believe that drawing is a great way to learn more about a subject, and hope that you will leave the session with not only some sketches to be proud of but a deeper understanding and appreciation of the species we’ve studied.

£10 of each ticket will be donated to Spitalfields City Farm.

SPRINGTIME SCENES

Saturday 20th April 2024 11am-4pm WWT London Wetlands £60 (incl. entrance fee)

Show full details

Dip your toes into landscape drawing at this full-day workshop at the London Wetlands Centre. With its reeds, mossy banks and spring wildflowers, the wetlands are a haven for our “models”- the resident birds, insects and amphibians who will populate our artworks. Our group will be comfortably stationed in the indoor observatory, with views across the reed beds- the perfect spot to watch all the comings and goings on the lakes. If the weather is fine we will also spend some time drawing outside, and pay a visit to the resident otters.

Artist Jennie Webber will lead the session, guiding you through the process of observational landscape drawing with positivity and enthusiasm. She will begin by outlining the basics of composing a landscape artwork touching on proportion, depth of field and composition. There will be time to experiment with mark-making whilst drawing from life, using a range of materials to add flourishes of detail, texture and light quality. By the end of the session you will have gained creative confidence, artworks you can be proud of and a greater understanding of the importance of wetland habitats.

All ability levels are welcome at this class, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist. There is always joy and relaxation to be found when drawing beautiful landscapes and observing wildlife. We will provide paper, drawing boards and a colourful range of materials for you to use.

The price for the class includes your entrance fee to the London Wetlands Centre and you are very welcome to explore the wetlands before or after the workshop.

SEA TURTLES

Monday 22nd April 2024 6.30pm-8.30pm SEA LIFE London Aquarium, SE1 7PB £35 (50% donated)

Show full details

This Earth Day, dive into the big blue with us at a serene after-hours class at the London Aquarium. This time we will be focusing our attention on Boris and Gonzales; two green sea turtles who came to the aquarium through a rescue project in the Cayman Islands. These gentle giants are one of the largest types of turtle, and are the only herbivores in the species group. They always eat their greens, enjoying a diet of seagrass and algae.

We will begin with a talk from a member of the aquarium team who will teach us all about green sea turtles, their biology, and the issues affecting them in the wild- from the fishing industry to plastic pollution. The class will be led by Laura Cuppage, an artist who specialises in drawing animals and nature. Laura will give an introduction to drawing from life and her top tips for drawing underwater animals. She will be floating around throughout the session to provide creative guidance, to help you get your turtles looking tip-top. Although we will be concentrating on the turtles, you will have free reign to wander through the space, sketching the sharks, ogling the octopi and eyeing up the eels at your will.

50% of each ticket will be donated to SEA LIFE Trust.

DRAWING & FLYING DAY

Saturday 11th May 2024 10am-4pm Eastwell Manor, TN25 4HR £155

Show full details

Join us for a wonderfully wobbly evening at the London Aquarium. This after-hours drawing session will take place in the jellyfish area, where we will meet a host of species including mesmerising moon jellies, flouncy and fabulous sea nettles, and tiny jellyfish larvae that look like shooting stars. With their pulsing motions and ethereal forms, drawing these ancient creatures is relaxing, hypnotising and so much fun.

The class will be hosted by nature illustrator Jennie Webber, who will get your creative juices flowing with a drawing demonstration and her top tips on drawing underwater animals. We will then be given a short talk by one of the aquarium’s “jellyologists” who will introduce the different species and give us plenty of fascinating facts about them. Although we will be concentrating on the jellyfish, you’ll also be free to wander around the other areas to meet the other species- sharks, turtles and rays to name but a few. Aquarium experts will be ‘floating’ around throughout the class, ready to answer all your questions, and Jennie will provide all the creative guidance you need to get your artwork shipshape.

50% of each ticket will be donated to SEA LIFE Trust.

NEW

JELLYFISH

Monday 13th May 2024 6.30pm-8.30pm SEA LIFE London Aquarium, SE1 7PB £35 (50% donated)

Show full details

Join us for a wonderfully wobbly evening at the London Aquarium. This after-hours drawing session will take place in the jellyfish area, where we will meet a host of species including mesmerising moon jellies, flouncy and fabulous sea nettles, and tiny jellyfish larvae that look like shooting stars. With their pulsing motions and ethereal forms, drawing these ancient creatures is relaxing, hypnotising and so much fun.

The class will be hosted by nature illustrator Jennie Webber, who will get your creative juices flowing with a drawing demonstration and her top tips on drawing underwater animals. We will then be given a short talk by one of the aquarium’s “jellyologists” who will introduce the different species and give us plenty of fascinating facts about them. Although we will be concentrating on the jellyfish, you’ll also be free to wander around the other areas to meet the other species- sharks, turtles and rays to name but a few. Aquarium experts will be ‘floating’ around throughout the class, ready to answer all your questions, and Jennie will provide all the creative guidance you need to get your artwork shipshape.

50% of each ticket will be donated to SEA LIFE Trust.

NEW

BUGS AND BOTANY

Wednesday 15th May 2024 7pm-9pm Camley Street Natural Park, N1C 4PW £35 (10% donated)

Show full details

Take a leaf out of a botanist’s sketchbook, at our first class focused on illustrating interesting insects and fascinating foliage. We will be joined by a globe-trotting bunch of invertebrates- giant snails, sun beetles and millipedes from Africa, tarantulas and stick insects from South America and scorpions and locusts from Asia. The slower moving of our models -think snails and stick insects- will be perched in amongst a mini rainforest of plants, and the faster fellas will be safely contained in their enclosures. (No free range tarantulas, we promise!)

The class will be hosted by artist Laura Cuppage, who will begin with an introduction to drawing plants and animals from life. Inspired by some of the trail-blazing botanical artists of their time (Marianne North and Maria Merian to name a few) the focus of the session will be on creating compositions which include insects and plants, and by the end of the class your pages will be teeming with life! While we draw, animal expert Amy will provide lots of information about the bugs; their biology and adaptations, and their habitats in the wild.

10% of each ticket will be donated to London Wildlife Trust.

NEW

HAWKS AND FALCONS

Monday 20th May 2024 7pm-9pm Ducie Street Warehouse, M1 2TP £35 (10% donated)

Show full details

Have you ever been to one of our birds of prey classes? If so, you’ll have seen how beautiful our raptors are, with their sharp talons, piercing gazes and delicate feathers. But how about a chance to see them do what they do best; flying! Take it from us, it’s a truly magical experience. We are delighted to bring you the opportunity to do exactly that, at an immersive all-day session, drawing and flying birds of prey at Eastwell Manor in the glorious Kent countryside.

We will spend the morning drawing birds from all over the globe- Xavier the Bald Eagle, Bailey the Makinders Owl, Moet the Chilean Blue and Maggie the Hooded Vulture – who will be stationed on their perches in the tranquil grounds of the manor. The Wild Life Drawing team will be on hand for all the creative guidance you need, and the expert falconers at Sky Birds of Prey will teach us about each of the species in turn.

Then in the afternoon, it will be time for the birds to take to the sky. Paul and his team will give a flying display with in-depth information about each bird’s unique characteristics. Then, after an introduction to falconry, you’ll each don the glove and experience the unforgettable feeling of flying the birds yourselves. There’s nothing like it! There will also be plenty of time to photograph and sketch the birds as they soar through the grounds.

This workshop is open to all abilities. With our top tips on drawing animals from life, you’ll be sketching away in no time. We will provide paper, drawing boards and a range of materials for you to use, but you’re welcome to bring your own kit if you like.

Eastwell Manor is easily accessed by car and there is parking available. The nearest train station is Ashford International, which is a 35 minute journey from London St. Pancras, and is 15 minutes away from the site by taxi.

MANCHESTER

WOLVES

Sunday 26th May 2024 11am-1pm Town Hall Hotel, E2 9AF £35 (10% donated)

Show full details

Sharpen your pencils and your claws, and come join our pack! At this class we will be drawing our favourite family of British Lupine wolf dogs. This stunning hybrid species have real wolves in their bloodline- and are dead ringers for their wild relatives. They howl at the moon and live in a pack, but are gorgeously tame and friendly. The pack also happen to be quite the celebrities, having starred in many photoshoots, and films- try to act cool when you meet them though, yeah?

Hosting the session will be animal-obsessed illustrator Laura Cuppage, who will guide you through the process of drawing wolves from life. She will provide her top tips on drawing moving models and will be all ears for any questions you have. We will also be joined by “head wolf” Natalie Langstrom, who will share the extensive knowledge of these animals she has gathered over her many years working as a canine behavioural expert. Natalie is a fierce advocate for wild wolves, and will give an insight into the species and their conservation.

10% of each ticket will be donated to Wolf Watch UK.

WOLVES

Sunday 26th May 2024 2pm-4pm Town Hall Hotel, E2 9AF £35 (10% donated)

Show full details

Sharpen your pencils and your claws, and come join our pack! At this class we will be drawing our favourite family of British Lupine wolf dogs. This stunning hybrid species have real wolves in their bloodline- and are dead ringers for their wild relatives. They howl at the moon and live in a pack, but are gorgeously tame and friendly. The pack also happen to be quite the celebrities, having starred in many photoshoots, and films- try to act cool when you meet them though, yeah?

Hosting the session will be animal-obsessed illustrator Laura Cuppage, who will guide you through the process of drawing wolves from life. She will provide her top tips on drawing moving models and will be all ears for any questions you have. We will also be joined by “head wolf” Natalie Langstrom, who will share the extensive knowledge of these animals she has gathered over her many years working as a canine behavioural expert. Natalie is a fierce advocate for wild wolves, and will give an insight into the species and their conservation.

10% of each ticket will be donated to Wolf Watch UK.

ONLINE CLASSES

THE MOON

Tuesday 19th March 2024 7pm-8.30pm GMT Online Class £12

Show full details

Join us for our first-ever astrological class, which will take place on the Spring Equinox, a few evenings before the March full moon. Significant in cultures across the world, this moon marks the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. It goes by many names- Worm Moon, Eagle Moon and Sugar Moon to name just a few. Joining to illuminate us on the mysteries of the Moon will be Michael Lomotey- doctoral researcher, environmentalist and self-confessed “luna-tic”. Michael will teach us all about the moon, it’s orbit, and it’s impact on our lives and culture.

On hand to help you get your moon sketches glowing will be artist Jennie Webber. This one will be all about shade and tone, so Jennie will provide lots of tips and techniques on how to use pencils effectively to create a dramatic and dynamic moon sketch to treasure. We will be drawing from high-quality reference images, some of which will be photographs that Michael has taken himself.

FLAMINGOS

Wednesday 10th April 2024 7pm-8.30pm BST Online Class £12, 50% donated

Show full details

Join us for a class with a serious splash of colour, studying the flamboyance of flamingos that populate Los Olivitos; a vast coastal lagoon in Venezuela. This rich habitat forms part of the land belonging to the indigenous Wayuu people, and is the nesting ground of the largest population of flamingos in the Caribbean. It is also home to several endangered species including manatees, coastal caimans and great anteaters.

We will be joined online by Lourdes Grollimund, the CEO of Mama Tierra. This Swiss non-profit has been working alongside the Wayuu indigenous peoples to achieve social change, conserve lands and showcase traditional craftsmanship since 2015. As well as telling us about her work, Lourdes will be translating for our second guest of the evening, Dr. Lermith Torres. As one of the world’s leading experts on flamingos, Lermith plays a key role in Mama Tierra’s Flamingo Project. Through a combination of animal rescue, research and educational projects for local children, the project is helping to protect the fragile ecosystem of Los Olivitos.

A donation of 50% of profits will be divided between Mama Tierra and ONG Mangle.

PORCUPINES (LIVE)

Tuesday 16th April 2024 7pm-8.30pm BST Online Class £12, 50% donated

Show full details

Join us for a perfectly prickly live online class studying Hairy Dwarf Porcupines. These cool critters spend their lives slowly foraging for seeds, fruit and flower buds in the tree canopies of Central American rainforests. Their prehensile tails have bald tips, which help them get a good grip on tree branches. When it comes to defending themselves, those striking yellow quills come into play. If a predator is brave/foolish enough to attack, they will be left with a face full of barbed quills. Ouch.

We will be live streaming with our friends over at Jaguar Rescue Centre Costa Rica, who will introduce us to a V.I.P (very important porcupine) named Einstein. This charming young man came to the sanctuary back in 2019. Once he was back in good health he was released to La Ceiba forest, but after some time it became clear that he wasn’t able to adapt to life in the wild. At this point the team decided to bring him back to the sanctuary, where he now has a home for life. He’s not mad about it to be honest- this docile dude is quite content, and has a great bond with his carers.

50% of profits will be donated to Jaguar Rescue Centre.

SEA OTTERS (LIVE)

Thursday 9th May 2024 5.30pm-7pm BST Online Class £12, 50% donated

Show full details

You really ‘otter’ join us for this one. At this live online class, we will draw Ozzy and Ola- two beautiful northern sea otters. Around 90% of these charming animals live in Alaska, which is where these two hail from. The pair were taken in by a rescue centre when they were found stranded. They now live in a state-of-the-art facility at SEA Life Birmingham where they are ambassadors for their species, raising awareness of the issues affecting their wild relatives. During the 18th and 19th centuries sea otters were hunted to near extinction for their fur. Thankfully since becoming a protected species in the 1900’s their numbers have recovered slowly, but there is still a long way to go in their conservation.

We will be introduced to Ozzy and Ola by otter experts Meg and Nat, who are part of the dedicated team that keep them happy and healthy. We will have a chance to watch the otters from both above and below the water from two different viewing areas, so we will get a great view of the way they move those streamlined bodies as they swim. The class will be hosted by nature illustrator Jennie Webber who will guide you through the process of drawing animals from life, beginning with a demo. Throughout the session there will be time for you to ask plenty of questions, so you’ll come away with both some otterly fabulous sketches and a greater understanding of the species.

50% of profits will be donated to SEA Life Trust to support their mission to protect aquatic habitats around the world.

HARPY EAGLES

Wednesday 29th May 2024 7pm-8.30pm BST Online Class £12, 50% donated

Show full details

At this class we will study one of the largest and rarest raptors on Earth- the Harpy Eagle. These incredible animals have wingspans reaching 6.5ft, and their rear talons are as large as the claws of a grizzly bear. In ancient times they were revered as divine creatures- if only the same could be said for today. The species is subject to human persecution, and has reached critically endangered status/extinction in several countries. The remaining population is spread out across Central America where their range is wide but their numbers are few. Education is proving to be an effective conservation method, and there is hope that by instilling a pride and love for the species in younger generations, the fate of these majestic birds could be turned around.

We will be joined online by Anna Bryant, who is the biology coordinator at ARCAS- a grassroots wildlife rescue organisation set up by Guatemalan citizens. Anna will tell us the story of an injured male that ARCAS cared for, which they believe could have been the last harpy eagle in Guatemala. She will explain the reasons that the species have been driven out of the country, and what she and her colleagues are doing to help in the fight to save the species.

50% of profits will be donated to ARCAS Guatemala.

WHALES AND DOLPHINS

Tuesday 4th June 2024 7pm-8.30pm BST Online Class £12, 50% donated

Show full details

Whale imagery is all around us, adorning our clothing, crockery and wallpaper, but have you ever really looked at those illustrations? Most are totally incorrect – often square shaped whales with twisted tails, water spurting from their blowholes? We have Moby Dick to thank for that. Luckily we have world-renowned comparative anatomist and cetacean expert Joy Reidenberg with us for an online class in June to bust those myths so we can nail our narwhals and perfect our porpoises. Together we will be making quick sketches of different whales and dolphins from reference images, with Joy picking out notable anatomy and evolutionary features as we draw.

Joy Reidenberg is a professor at Icahn School of Medicine based at Mount Sinai, New York City specialising in cetacean anatomy, and a talented scientific illustrator. You may have seen her enthusiastically clambering over beached whale carcasses with her huge knives performing dissections on a colossal scale on the BAFTA winning BBC documentary Inside Nature’s Giants. Or you might have heard her animatedly discussing animal reproduction on Born in the Wild on America’s PBS channel. Whatever the subject, Joy is such an engaging and inspiring speaker (watch her TED talk here) we can’t promise that this class will finish on time!

50% of ticket profits will be donated to Joy’s nominated charity the Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center, in Florida, USA.

NEW

Supporting good causes

Since the very beginning, we have donated a portion of our profits to wildlife charities.


Our passion is supporting smaller organisations that don’t always see the limelight, to showcase their fantastic work and raise awareness of their causes. We’re proud to support the South Essex Wildlife Hospital, Wolf Watch UK and the British Hen Welfare Trust to name but a few! Over the years, with the help of our wonderful community, we have raised over £50,000 for charity.

RECENT EVENTS

BABY OWLS

Carousel

Botanical Illustration

Garden Museum

Rescue Dogs

Town Hall Hotel

Miniature Piglets

Royal Society of Sculptors

BESPOKE BOOKINGS

Thinking of bespoke drawing class for a special occasion, or gifting a drawing lesson to a beloved animal lover?

MAKE AN
ENQUIRY

CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS

See all the new classes as they go live via our mailing list.

Subscribe


© 2019-2020 Wild Life Drawing. All rights reserved.
Site credits | Privacy Policy