Learn to Draw: Kelp Forest
Join scientific illustrator Dr. Julius Csotonyi in this online art lesson where we’ll learn how to draw the many beings of the kelp forest!
Not only will you be making art, but you’ll also get to learn more about this interconnected ocean community. Grab your pencil and join the fun!
Scroll down to watch the art lesson and explore some great resources from the webinar.
Explore the artwork from the lesson!
Scroll through the gallery to see some beautiful kelp forests! If you’d like to have your drawing featured, send your artwork to social@sierraclub.bc.ca.
Check out these resources from the webinar!
- Join our network of artists for change at InviteToAction.ca
- Are you on Facebook? Join our Facebook group for artists!
- Learn how to say kelp in the language of the Indigenous community on whose territory you live.
- Send your artwork to your local representative to help care for the kelp forest community. You can find your local representative here.
- Engage with the wealth of learning resources shared by the Kwakiutl Nation, including more information on bull kelp and other ocean beings!
- Check out some very cool ocean stories and photos from The Marine Detective, Jackie Hildering. She also has a great blog about the life cycle of bull kelp!
- Learn about an exciting new collaborative project to map the health of kelp forests.
- Did you know kelp forests create a quiet refuge from underwater noise? Find out more in this article from The Narwhal.
- Learn more about our education program.
- Please consider making a donation today to help us continue running free art lessons like this one. Donate financially here.
About the artist
Dr. Julius Csotonyi is a Vancouver-based scientific illustrator and natural history fine artist. He has a scientific background in ecology (MSc) and microbiology (PhD) which has taken him to study sensitive ecosystems, from sand dunes in the Rocky Mountain parks to hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
These experiences have fuelled a strong resolve to work toward preserving the earth’s biota. Painting biological subjects is one means that he uses to both enhance public awareness of biological diversity and to motivate concern for its welfare.
He paints murals and panels that have appeared in numerous museums (e.g. the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History), press release images for scientific publications, books, stamp sets (e.g. the 2018 “Sharks of Canada” set for Canada Post), and coins for the Royal Canadian Mint. His work is viewable on his online gallery, http://csotonyi.com
Learn to draw more beings with Julius!
