Learn to Draw: Marbled Murrelets

A webinar hosted by Sierra Club BC and Dr. Julius Csotonyi

Join scientific illustrator Dr. Julius Csotonyi in this online art lesson where he’ll be teaching you how to draw marbled murrelets—an endangered seabird who depends on old-growth forests to thrive. Not only will we learn how to draw this fascinating bird, but we’ll also learn about how this being is interconnected to the ocean, the forest and beyond.

This one-hour webinar is open to people of all ages. We encourage teachers, students, parents and learners of all ages to join the fun! All you need is paper, pencils, an eraser and pencil crayons.

Scroll down to watch the art lesson and to explore some great resources from the webinar!

Donate to help support our ‘Learn to Draw’ series

Explore the artwork from the lesson!

Scroll through the gallery to see some stunning marbled murrelets! If you’d like to have your drawing featured, send your artwork to social@sierraclub.bc.ca

Check out these resources from the webinar!

Check out our new portal for ideas of how you can use your talents in the old-growth movement! You can join our network of action takers at InviteToAction.ca
Send your artwork to your local representative to help protect marbled murrelets. You can find your local representative here.
Help protect the old-growth forests that marbled murrelets depend on. Send a letter today.
Learn more about marbled murrelets in Ada’itsx (Fairy Creek) by reading our media release.
Learn how to say marbled murrelet (SḰEḰOḰEȾ) in SENĆOŦEN.
Learn more about our education program.
Listen to the marbled murrelet’s call.
Please consider making a donation today to help us continue running free art lessons like this one. Donate 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