Learn to Draw: Octopus
We’re diving under the waves for our latest art lesson! Join scientific illustrator Dr. Julius Csotonyi in this online session where you’ll learn how to draw the fascinating octopus. You’ll also hear from special guests marine biologist James Cosgrove and Marine Detective Jackie Hildering, as well as our Sierra Club BC Education team including kQwa’st’not~Charlene George, ‘Ma̱kwa̱la~Dakota Smith and Ascher Goodman.
Not only will we be drawing this being, but we’ll also explore the rich and interconnected life they lead in their ocean home. For example, did you know that the octopus has three hearts, nine ‘brains’ and eight arms and yet moves as one? They have a lot to teach us about adaptability and how we can use our different talents to work together!
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!
Explore the artwork from the lesson!
Scroll through the gallery to see some beautiful octopuses! 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 octopus in kwak̓wala and SENĆOŦEN.
- Send your artwork to your local representative to help protect octopuses and their ocean home. You can find your local representative here.
- Read Central Coast Salish transformation stories.
- Learn more about the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw Tribes.
- Watch the documentary “My Octopus Teacher”.
- Check out the book “Marine Life of the Northwest”
- Watch James Cosgrove’s interview in “Ode to the Octopus”.
- Read James Cosgrove’s book “Super Suckers: The Giant Pacific Octopus and Other Cephalopods of the Pacific Coast”.
- Check out the Marine Detective’s Facebook page to learn more about ocean life!
- Learn about octopuses (including how they poo!) with The Marine Detective’s blog.
- Learn more about our education program.
- 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
Artwork by Julius Csotonyi
Julius Csotonyi
Julius Csotonyi