Wild Life Drawing: Jellyfish in Watercolour

We're back at London Aquarium in September for another after-hours aquatic exploration into the weird world of jellyfish and a masterclass in the medium of watercolour. We'll be focussing on capturing the wonderful wibbliness of these ancient organisms with watercolour, using the medium to reflect their translucency and delicacy in the water. The class will commence with a short introduction and live demonstration in how to use watercolour to effectively paint jellyfish from life, though all attendees will be encouraged to explore their own ways of working. Technique tips and advice will be on hand all the way through the session. All watercolour paper, basic paints and brushes for the class will be provided, but please do feel free to bring along your own special sets if you'd prefer. This event is open to all abilities, but we advise that it is best suited to those over 16 years of age, with under 18's accompanied by an adult.

Now the largest jellyfish facility in the UK, experts at the aquarium – fondly nicknamed “jellyologists” – have been breeding Moon Jellyfish, Sea Nettles, Barrel and Upside Down Jellyfish at different stages of their lives, with some reaching more than three meters in length! The three stages of the exhibition will explore the lifecycle of these gelatinous creatures, as well as how they thrive, sting and reproduce. Painting these drifting forms will not only be an enjoyable creative challenge, but a relaxing and meditative experience.

Jellyfish are truly unbelievable; they have no brain, heart, blood or bones, but they do have a nervous system, a stomach and reproductive organs. Jellyfish have a complicated life cycle, growing quickly and living on average around a year. Feeding on plankton, fish and other jellyfish, they catch prey with their stinging tentacles. Where there are approximately 2000 species of jellyfish, only around 70 have stings strong enough to harm humans. And a group of jellyfish is called a smack!

The SEA LIFE London Aquarium in Westminster is home to thousands of species of aquatic animals – including penguins, octopus, turtles, stingrays and octopus – and is involved in several breeding programs including native rays and seahorses. The aquarium works closely with it's partner charity, the SEA LIFE Trust, to protect marine wildlife and habitats across the world, to protect endangered marine animals and to communicate key conservation messages to it's visitors. 50% of each ticket sold will be donated to the SEA LIFE Trust, making a whopping total donation of £400!

The aim of these drawing classes is to inspire a sense of appreciation and understanding for the animals and their conservation in the wider world. Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferable to another name. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Jennie on: info@wildlifedrawing.co.uk