Learn to Draw: Wolf
Right now, the salmon are beginning to spawn upstream and forests are inviting many different beings to come join the feast. To celebrate, this art lesson features a fellow salmon lover and forest dweller: the coastal wolf!
Join scientific illustrator Dr. Julius Csotonyi in this online session where we’ll learn how to draw these majestic beings. The lesson shares both Western and Indigenous perspectives through conversations with x̱a’nalas~Dakota Smith and Julius.
Not only will we be drawing this being, but we’ll also explore what they can teach us and learn more about the rich, interconnected life they lead in our communities. This includes discussing the vilification of wolves, and why we should be better caring for our misunderstood wolf neighbours.
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 spectacular wolves! 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 care for our wolf neighbours. You can find your local representative here.
- Learn how to say wolf in the language of the Indigenous community on whose territory you live. For those living on Kwakwaka’wakw territory, here are some more wolf-related words you can learn in Kwak̓wala.
- Read more about coastal wolves from both a Heiltsuk and Western science perspective.
- For those that are interested in scientific reports, check out this piece from Raincoast all about coastal wolves.
- Watch this fascinating video to hear more about Takaya, the lone wolf that Julius and x̱a’nalas discussed in this art lesson.
- Learn more about the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw Tribes.
- 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!
Jeremy Koreski/Nimmo Bay Resort
Alex Tsui