Sketches from "Nature: Niagra Falls"

We're back in the Viral Sketchbook; darn thing is so big, I feel like have an entire Sketchbook left to fill while being more than halfway through this one.  But I got into something of a groove this time (the trick is a really soft, dull pencil it turns out) and I hope to keep it up.  

"Niagra Falls" was a surprisingly good episode; I like the ones that focus on a whole ecosystem and a wide variety of animals.  This one also had interviews with local scientists, including Paleoartist Jenna McGuire, and that was incredibly cool.

(Hey, WNET, are you planning an episode on The Maine Lakes and Mountains Region?  Because if you want help from a local artist... 😅) 

Disney's Animal Kingdom 2023 Sketches and Trip Report!

Earlier this year, my family and I went to Walt Disney World.  Here are some thoughts.

The Flower and Garden Festival was lovely as usual.  We got to ride on everything we'd wanted to experience.  The weather was perfect; we even got to float in the pool more often that I'd expected.  And the new-to-me Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was a blast!  

A few not-so-great things: EPCOT is really suffering with all the construction in Future World (and the day I call Future World "World Celebration/Nature/Stuff" is the day I call Twitter "X").  Space 220 had very good food and I enjoyed some of the little touches, but for the price and popularity, I was expecting more than feasting in the warming glow of a screensaver.  The idea is similar to Coral Reef but I think I'd rather eat in the company of real actual fish.  On the subject of food and drink, I did not care for the Villain's Lair retheme of the Bay Lake Tower DVC Lounge.  Not everything needs to have Disney characters or a Theme and we all agreed that the drinks are ghastly!

And Genie+ is a disaster, but I think I went over that last time.  I still can't get over how confusing this must be for Newbies.  Dear Joe Disney, your park has too many attractions named “Space”, “Star”, and “Galaxy”.  Please change the names of three.  (I’m not a crackpot.)

Anyway.  Animal Kingdom sketches!

Animal Kingdom Sketches 2020

Approximately five and a half million years ago*, my family and I went to Walt Disney World.  As usual, I took loads of photos at Animal Kingdom and did sketches of the residents.  Mostly birds, of course.  Enjoy:







* - It sure feels like.  In reality it was only three weeks ago which seems impossible.  I'd like to do a trip report once it doesn't feel like a big fun and exciting blur that happened ages ago.

Animal Kingdom Sketches 2019

Brought my Illo on an adventure to Disney's Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Hummingbirds!

Before they migrate to more favorable and flowery climes, I'll share my sketches of these wonderful Dinosaur Fairies:





This next drawing is based on a series of photos by Dan Ripplinger. Now, I *knew* this about Hummingbirds, but damn if it isn't jarring to see it. O_o

Young Loons and Hawks

We had a lot of young Common Loons born this year on the Lake.  I was lucky to be able to observe and sketch them going about their business:







Here are studies of an adult Loon as well as a stressed out Chipping Sparrow mom:



And finally, a real treat. We had young Broad-Winged Hawks fledging right in our backyard! We came to call them the "Hawkward Teens", and it was a wonderful thing to get to watch them grow up.

The Traditional National Dog Show Sketch-tacular!

Because although the scruffy little terrier thing might have won, they are all good doggos.













(I did a post a week?   I did a post a week!  It's starting to feel normal again!)

Drawg Dognovembark!

Oh if only the dog show happened not on Thanksgiving day but a couple months earlier. We could totally make Synapsidtember a thing.

Seriously though. Enjoy these dog show dogs. (Suggested accompaniment.)









Bonus doggies from the "All-Star Dog Rescue Celebration". Click that link to find out how to help.