Animal Art: Study and Draw the World's Most Unusual Animals

This class is a unique mix of zoology and art, merging the study of unusual animals with instruction in how to draw these animals and the physical characteristics that make them so extraordinary.

I will introduce the students to a variety of unusual, odd-looking and/or rarely seen creatures of the world and show where these animals fit into the classification system. Through engaging visuals on PowerPoint, I will help learners identify these creatures and together we will discuss what makes them so unusual; is it their appearance, behavior or elusive nature? 

Then, with a document camera (or PowerPoint) and a printable worksheet, I will guide the students through step-by-step instructions as we draw a realistic picture of the animal using colored pencils or any medium they want to use. For the last ten minutes (or so) of class, I play a few selections of calming instrumental music for learners to listen to while they complete their drawings.     

The animals will be introduced according the following schedule (subject to change as needed). More animals will be added as the class progresses. No previous art experience is necessary for learners to enjoy this class.  

NEW SCHEDULE: FALL 2024 through SUMMER 2025

SEPTEMBER:
Week 1: Mexican Mole Lizard
Week 2: Vaquita
Week 3: Sea Pig
Week 4: Blobfish

OCTOBER:
Week 1: Shoebill
Week 2: Okapi
Week 3: Axolotl
Week 4: Hercules Beetle
Week 5: Goblin Shark

NOVEMBER:
Week 1: Tapir
Week 2:  Frigatebird
Week 3: Platypus

THANKSGIVING BREAK

DECEMBER:
Week 1: Dumbo Octopus
Week 2: Cantor Turtle
Week 3: Pangolin

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR BREAK

JANUARY:
Week 1: Fossa
Week 2: Panda Ant
Week 3: Purple Frog
Week 4: Capybara

FEBRUARY
Week 1: Tardigrade
Week 2: Saiga Antelope
Week 3: Barreleye
Week 4: Hoatzin

MARCH:
Week 1: Elephant Shrew
Week 2: Aye Aye
Week 3: Chinese Giant Salamander
Week 4: Fairy Armadillo

APRIL:
Week 1: Orange Oakleaf 
Week 2: White-Spotted Pufferfish
Week 3: Saola Deer
Week 4: Sri Lankan Frogmouth

MAY:
Week 1: Patagonian Mara
Week 2: Blue Glaucus 
Week 3: Lowland Streaked Tenrec
Week 4: Kakapo
Week 5: Naked Mole Rat

JUNE:
Week 1: Feather Star
Week 2: Eastern Long-necked Turtle 
Week 3: Maned Wolf
Week 4: Giant Isopod

JULY:
Week 1: Gerenuk
Week 2: Red-lipped Batfish
Week 3: Sumatran Rhino
Week 4: Dog-faced Snake
Week of 5: Bloodybelly Jellycomb

AUGUST
Week 1: Aardvark
Week 2: Mata Mata
Week 3: Yeti Crab