These are a couple of sketches of what I did NOT see while I was NOT in Antarctica. Fortunately, my parents have given me carte blanche with their photos, and I am doing a little vicarious travel. I really have to point out that I am surprised by how much I am liking penguins, and that it has nothing to do with a certain trend of the last couple of years. But, dude, they WALK, and in so doing have incredible muscle structure and make interesting and ridiculous poses. It feels like figure drawing 101 all over again. The top sketch is of a young Gentoo Penguin (with some down still on it), and the bottom is a King Penguin. I am working on more, and perhaps a finished drawing or two, and will post them as I go.
Oh-oh…This is how it starts.
“Now what he had taken for men of small stature but of grave bearing were penguins whom the spring had gathered together, and who were ranged in couples on the natural steps of the rock, erect in the majesty of their large white bellies. From moment to moment they moved their winglets like arms, and uttered peaceful cries. They did not fear men, for they did not know them, and had never received any harm from them; and there was in the monk a certain gentleness that reassured the most timid animals and that pleased these penguins extremely. With a friendly curiosity they turned towards him their little round eyes lengthened in front by a white oval spot that gave something odd and human to their appearance. Touched by their attention, the holy man taught them the Gospel”. (Pp18 Anatole France. Penguin Island)
SEE: THE APOTHEOSIS AND DAMNATION OF THE FLIGHTLESS FLOCKS: MARCH OF THE PENGUINS AND THE CULTURAL DIVIDE.BIRD OBSERVER JUNE 2007 V.35 #3 by me.
Mark
These drawings are way, Way, WAY cool!!
As are your observations on their musculature.
Love the new technique!
Thanks for posting these. I have a soft spot for penguins. They make me raff.
Love, love love love these.