Saturday, February 26, 2011

Taronga Zoo Sketches



Watercolour and ink 13.5 x 21 cms

How do you entertain your mother? Take her to the Zoo of course! That was what my darling daughter did while I was visiting her in Sydney and I can't think of a treat I've enjoyed more.

The main attraction was new zoo babies - an elephant and a gorilla.

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen

Unfortunately the baby wouldn't stand still and looks more like an anteater in my sketch. You can see photos of the real baby HERE.

I love the giraffes. They did stand still.

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen

I didn't think I'd ever be promoting a zoo because I've always found them such depressing places but Sydney is doing a marvellous job with its famous Taronga Zoo, located on prime real estate on the edge of Sydney Harbour. The new enclosures are beautiful and there are endless opportunities to get up close to the birds and animals. It was only the old man gorilla I couldn't look in the eye. Even a gilded cage is still a cage.

17 comments:

alissaduke said...

So glad that you enjoyed Taronga Zoo while visiting Sydney. It is a wonderful place to sketch.

Making A Mark said...

Taronga is the best zoo in the world for views - and it's pretty special as a zoo too.

I took my niece there for her 3rd birthday and I have some great memories!

Stacy said...

What a nice daughter you must have! Not only does she take you to the zoo, but she gives you time to sketch. Great sketches - every one- and I especially love the "View from the Zoo".

Robyn Sinclair said...

Alissa - it would be great to meet you there to sketch with Liz and Wendy someday in the future.

Katherine - I'm just a three year old at heart.

Stacy - I have the most wonderful daughter in the world! And of course she let me sketch. I'd have screamed and wet my pants if she hadn't ;)

Bridget Hunter said...

These are great immediate sketches capturing the animals' characteristics with a few lines.

Unknown said...

You're having so much fun! I love these!

Alison Staite said...

Robyn - Great sketches! I've been to Taronga twice, as you say it's very special for a zoo. The view across the harbour is amazing - your sketch has caught it so well! Lots of good memories!

Unknown said...

The top sketch is beautiful.

I've also been to Taronga, for my 25th b'day. I didn't sketch though.

A Brush with Color said...

I love these--well done, Robyn. That top sketch is beautiful, and I am really enjoying the animals.

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

Lovely sketches Robyn..love the first one and your animals are so cute.
Ronelle

Suma CM said...

Love these, especially your "view from the zoo" sketch!

Cathy Gatland said...

Great brushpen sketches Robyn, lovely lines and that mom ellie looks so happy! The View from the Zoo is great, I'm pleased to say I've been there too!

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Do we take it you are currently visiting Australia - How long for Robyn? Look forward to seeing more blog posts from you this year especially your lovely Tuscan sketches.

Parisbreakfasts said...

Wonderful elephant sketch...reminds me of Rembrant's..

Joan said...

Lovely job on the painting of Sydney harbor...good scale on the buildings. Great sketches of the zoo animals. I find they are usually not too cooperative...sort of like people who get up and move just as I really get into sketching them. lol All the best!

Robyn Sinclair said...

Sounds like all roads lead to Taronga :) It's wonderful that so many of you have been there too. Thank you for all the lovely comments.

Carol - your Rembrandt reference has gone straight to my head. :) I've been avoiding Paris Breakfasts for the past year because I've been trying to diet. I see it is as delicious as ever.

Felicity Grace said...

Beautiful sketches Robyn, I love your colourful postcard!

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