Learn to Draw: Greenland Shark
We’re taking a deep dive with our learning for this art lesson! Join scientific illustrator Dr. Julius Csotonyi in this session where he’ll be teaching you how to draw a gentle ocean giant: the Greenland Shark.
Not only will we be drawing this being that is one of the largest living species of shark, but we’ll also explore how they can be great teachers and learn more about the rich, interconnected life they lead in their deep ocean home.
The lesson will share both Western and Indigenous perspectives with the help of ‘Makwala~Dakota Smith and kQwa’st’not~Charlene George.
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 stunning sharks! 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!
- Send your artwork to your local representative to help protect our shark neighbours. You can find your local representative here.
- Learn how to say dogshark (dogfish) in Kwakwala (x̱wa̱lǥwa̱m), Dididaht (yačaʔ), Stz’uminus (kw’eets’), and in Haida (k’aax̱ada).
- Learn how to say shark in Kwakawala (x̱wa̱lǥwis), Dididaht (sabaas), Stz’uminus (kw’uts’unulhtsu), Klallam (kʷaʔc̕ə́n̕tč), and in Haida (ḵ’aax̱ada awg̱a).
- Read the Haida story ‘Dogfish Woman”.
- Find out which sharks call the Salish Sea home.
- Learn more about the Greenland shark.
- How can you figure out the age of ancient Greenland sharks? Find out here!
- Learn about what threats Greenland sharks are facing.
- Check out the shark stamp series Julius illustrated.
- Read about the fascinating parasitic copepod (Ommatokoita elongata) that fastens itself to Greenland shark eyes.
- 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
Learn to draw more beings with Julius!
Julius Csotonyi