The more you draw in public, the easier it gets. The distractions help me drown out my noisy inner critic and keep drawing!
First things first
Get your hand moving by drawing as you walk. I do this by drawing trees as I move around the habitats, then adding animals later. This helps me focus on fun and learning instead of accuracy.
Wander around
Just draw whatever interests you instead of trying to make a pretty illustration. I’m a big fan of starting lots of drawings and finishing them later, like in the video here and this one. I rarely ever finish a drawing on location, and you don’t have to either.
Here’s what I sketched on location:
I snapped this photo to show you, and because they’re just so majestic!
The fun continued at home, which you can watch in the video!
Scouting a location
Instead of obscuring myself, I approach exhibits like 4-year-old Beth probably would. I want the best view! When I see an interesting gorilla interaction or fun tiger pose, I quickly sketch it and move on so others can enjoy them too.
Now that spring has sprung, my treasured zoo drawing dates will be filled with herds of humans. A mass of noisy people surrounding you when you’re trying to draw a hippo can be overwhelming, but embracing that discomfort will grow your confidence!
If you’re uneasy about speaking to strangers who may ask to see your work, have a few reactions at the ready:
“This work is top secret.”
Pretend not to hear them.
Smile, nod, and keep drawing.
If you’re feeling up to it, show them!
More good news
Take comfort in the fact that people usually don’t notice at all! They’re busy looking at animals, their kids, or their phones. Lots of folks might think you’re a staff member taking notes. A lady asked me where the nearest bathroom was last week!
Materials & Mentions
Inside my ugly drawing bag - what I took to the zoo all last summer.
Acrylic marker video - my favorite markers and swatching all sorts of different brands.
Drawing Out and About - drawing at the Memphis Humane Society.
How to Draw a Gorilla Portrait - excellent advice on approaching and approaching apes by
Airtight gouache palette - keeps colors fresher longer.
Holbein Gouache Marigold - my new favorite yellow.
