SATURDAY: Sketch Darwin’s Lab - the Galapagos

Sketch Darwin's Lab - The Galapagos Islands

Thanks to Alan Wernicke for the idea and the research for today’s event.

We will be visiting the Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago on the equator in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles west of South America. The islands are known for the large number of native species found nowhere else in the world. Many of these plants and animals were studied by Charles Darwin during the second voyage of the HMS Beagle in 1835. Darwin’s observations and collections were instrumental in his theory of evolution, ultimately published as On The Origin of Species in 1859.

Today, the Galapagos Islands is a huge national park and marine preserve, established in 1959 by Ecuador and covering over 3,000 square miles. The park was created to protect such native species as the giant tortoise, marine iguana, and the Galapagos petrel. It was designated a UNESCO World Herald Site in 1978, becoming only the second international location to receive this honor.

• In the morning we will focus on the animals of the Galapagos. You have lots to chose from. Everybody’s favorite is the giant tortoise, but you cannot go wrong with a sketch of the blue-footed booby, or its cousin the red-footed booby. And don’t miss the male frigate bird, especially when it balloons its bright red chest (said to attract female frigates.) There are also fur seals, marine and land iguanas, sea lions, the flightless cormorant and the only species of penguin found north of the equator. You can get very close to the animals, but park regulations advise “no touching.”
• In the afternoon we will explore the three zones of the islands’ landscape. The coastal zone features magnificent beaches; take time to do yoga with a sea lion. In the arid zone there are beautiful cacti and desert vegetation. And in the highland or humid zone you will see the tops of volcanoes and jungle plants.

Giant tortoises of the Galapagos

Galápagos Islands birds

Galápagos Islands animals

Galápagos Islands trees and flowers

The beautiful scenery of the Galápagos Islands

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• You need to register here to participate:  
• https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saturday-sketch-darwins-lab-the-galapagos-tickets-142744437455
• The virtual sketching event will be this Saturday and starts at 10 AM ET
• Registration closes on Friday at noon.
• On Friday afternoon if you registered you will receive the login info you’ll need to participate.

There are no fees. All drawing skill levels are welcome