With the shortening days, leaves falling and salmon finishing up their migration, we’re entering a period of slowness and rest. And for our black bear neighbours, that means preparing their dens for winter! To celebrate this moment, we’re hosting another Learn to Draw session where we’ll be sketching a black bear family in their den.
Join scientific illustrator Dr. Julius Csotonyi in this free online session where we’ll learn how to draw these wonderful families and their forest home. The lesson will share both Western and Indigenous perspectives through conversations with x̱a’nalas~Dakota Smith and bear biologist Helen Davis. Helen has been working as a biologist and bear researcher for 30 years and has much to share with us!
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. For example, did you know that bear dens act as nurseries for mothers and their young cubs? It acts as a safe place for them to keep warm over the winter and stay safe from predators. There’s much we can learn from these bear families and the deep relationship they have with old-growth forests.
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.
Join us as we blend art and science on Thursday, November 10 at 1 p.m. PT! If you can’t make it don’t worry, we’ll be sending the art lesson recording to everyone who registers.
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
https://sierraclub.bc.ca/learn-to-draw-black-bears/?utm_source=CM