Drawing with wolves: the art classes where live animals pose as models - iNews

It’s mesmerising and incredibly relaxing to draw a live animal when it’s sitting right in front of you, but it can be a challenge. Last time I drew a still life was for a high school art exam, and the main challenge there was to capture the fold of a piece of cloth hung behind old walking boots. Now, sitting in front of two wolf-dogs and poised with a pencil in hand I am unsure where to start.

Unlike the more common life drawing classes, this model does not remain motionless in the centre of the room but is permitted to move freely, drink water, roll, stretch and even take a nap. And that, says the organiser, is all part of the fun.

Jennie Webber is the founder of Wild Life Drawing, a London-based drawing class with a difference. Every class features a different animal, such as miniature pigs, meerkats, hedgehogs, hawks or goldfish.

“The idea is that by really paying attention and observing the animals, it will inspire an appreciation of, and sense of connection with, the natural world,” she says. A percentage of the fees for each class supports a conservation charity.

Wild about wolves

The class I’ve come to is supporting Wolf Watch, which is based in Shropshire and cares for wolves rescued from captivity which would have otherwise been euthanised.

For many, Jennie says, wolves represent the embodiment of nature. “Whenever you picture a wolf they’re running free through the forest and howling at the full moon. We use lots of different animals but people seem to go crazy for the wolves.”

In the class it is all about drawing what you see, not what you think the animal should look like. “Ninety per cent of observation drawing is done with the eyes and only ten per cent is actual drawing,” Jennie explains.

The classes combine her two passions: art and wildlife. After studying illustration she began drawing live animals and nature and, unable to find wildlife drawing classes in London, decided to set up her own. “The first class was fairly interesting,” she says, laughing. “We went in blind and had no idea if people would manage to draw when the subject matter was moving.

“But the classes really took off. One man even brought his daughter all the way from Belgium to take part.

“One trick is to take a photo to refer to, in case the animal moves – and, most importantly, draw quickly.”

Nature art classes around the UK

The RSPB runs the Artists Wildlife Painting Workshop at its Pagham Harbour site in West Sussex, costing £22, on 27 April and 27 July.

“This all-day workshop gives an introduction to basic techniques of watercolour painting combining a little theory with a lot of practical application and advice,” it says.

“The session is aimed at beginners and those returning to an old hobby after work. Good quality paints, paper and brushes will be supplied, just bring your enthusiasm.”

The Nature in Art museum near Twigworth in Gloucestershire runs classes for six to 12 people at its education centre throughout the year, covering everything from woodland birds to winter landscapes, starting from £55 for a one-day course.

The artist Jackie Garner runs a seven-day Highland Wildlife Art Course in Inverness-shire, from 20 to 27 April, costing £1,495 per person, fully inclusive.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden offers a range of art courses for all levels, which include sketching plants and illustrating seasonal wild flowers. Course fees start from £65 per day and are typically between one and three days.

Learning while we’re painting

Wildlife experts are also invited to attend the classes, firstly to ensure the animals are safe and comfortable, and secondly to share their expertise.

As we sketch, we learn about the history of wolves, which enhances our appreciation. Due to competition with humans and hunting practices, wild wolves became extinct in England and Wales by the turn of the 16th century, and in Scotland by the mid 18th century. Some wolves still exist in captivity, but many wolves in UK nowadays are hybrids.

The two we are observing today are Mr Bond and Tala – and having appeared in Marie Claire, promotional material for Game of Thrones, and Vogue alongside the model Lara Stone, they could be considered the celebrities of the animal world.

In truth they are hybrid creatures, crossbred between wolves and dogs, and their behaviour is more similar to a canine. However, their owner, pet behaviourist Natalie Lagstrom, offers some pointers to ensure the pictures capture their wolf side.

“One of the differences between wolves and dogs is the lack of a bridge of the nose,” she explains. “A dog’s muzzle goes straight quite steeply to the forehead whereas a wolf blends very smoothly from the muzzle. A wolf’s jaw line is also much straighter, which makes it stronger for biting and chewing.”

Seeing animals in a different light

Through folklore and fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, wolves have been given a big bad name. But Jennie believes that experiencing nature first-hand can lead to changes in attitude. Quoting David Attenborough, she says: “No one will protect what they don’t care about; no one will care about what they have never experienced.

“When you draw an animal, you see it in a different way. You begin to notice details that you perhaps wouldn’t otherwise.

“With an owl, for example, you may start to think about why it has a hooked beak and how that helps it to catch its prey.”

For some, it also changes their eating habits. “There’s a lot more to the humble pig than meets the eye,” she says.

“A lot of people don’t realise how intelligent they are and leave feeling as if they understand their characters a little better – rather than just seeing them and thinking of pork.”

“It’s quite special when you see the relationships the animals form with their handlers and I think that really rubs off on people.”

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