A Night At The Museum

I had a great evening this week when I had a chance to explore some of the goodies at The Slater Museum of Natural History at the University of Puget Sound here in Tacoma. I know natural history museums can freak people out a little bit because they are basically full of dead things. But this is how scientists study and learn and by opening the doors to artists, we get a chance to draw something close up we'd otherwise never get to do.

When I walked through the door and saw this magpie, I knew I needed to draw it. I don't get to see many birds this close in person. The delicate feathers were fascinating to try and draw accurately. I mostly gave up on being accurate. Many of the other artists there were painting and drawing very realistic versions. I was impressed with their skill levels.

It was also fun to hang out for a couple of hours with like minded creative types: always a nourishing environment!

I can't get over how beautiful these quail feathers were. I'm looking forward to my next night at the museum!