Above: Sketch I made of a beaver sitting in one of the dioramas at the Bell Museum of Natural History. Pentel Pocket Brush Pen, journal 8 x 7-1/2 inches. (Note there aren't any gossipy things about Liz on this page, it was simply something we were joking about.) Click on the image to view an enlargement.
Don't think a little snow and cold can stop Minnesotans. Even if the water in your Niji freezes you can still sketch here all year long. But wait, you can also sketch inside in comfort and still capture nature!
Join the MCBA Visual Journal Collective for an indoor nature sketch out on Sunday, January 31, 2010, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Bell Museum of Natural History. (Admission to the museum is free on Sundays but donations are always gratefully accepted. If you drive, bring money for parking in one of the nearby ramps.)
You don't need to be a Collective member to attend this sketch out, you just need to be interested in sketching from life (well in this case from the dioramas). Members of all skill levels will be present. Working at the Bell Museum with the taxidermy specimens is a great way to study nature and improve your drawing skills (your models never move).
I'll begin the meeting by giving a short tour of the museum so you get the lay of the land. Then you'll be free to sketch on your own or in groups. Individuals who have sketching questions are welcome to sketch with me. If you can't get there at noon, show up anytime and just start sketching!
At the end of the afternoon we'll adjourn to one of the local eateries in Dinkytown, where we can have a cup of coffee or dinner (or cake I hope) and share and discuss our work.
So mark your calendars now for this fun event. It's a great way to start preparing for, you guessed it—sketching at the Minnesota State Fair! (Which will only be 8 months away by January.)
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The MCBA Visual Journal Collective will ALSO be having its regular meeting on Monday, January 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. The sketch out is an additional meeting. Start your visual journaling year out right and join us for both meetings.