The Galápagos Islands

Another Saturday, another trip to a different part of the world. This time, the New York City Urban Sketchers visited the Galápagos Islands with our docent, Alan Wernicke, who gave, for both morning and afternoon sessions, lively presentations on their history, ecology, and biological importance.

But I did not sketch the famed finches. Not because I don’t like them, but because…

Marine iguana. Watercolor on paper. (Based on a photograph by Benjamint44.)

Pelican at rest. Brushpen and watercolor on paper. (Based on a photograph by David Adam Kess)

Blue-footed booby. Look at those cerulean feet. Pencil and watercolor on paper. (Based on a photograph by Marc Figueras.)

The giant tortoise. Besides the polar bear and the frog, this animal encompasses all the wonder we could very well lose in the next decade. I used pencil for the animal here, akin to an old daguerrotype, against the bright textures of the grass in watercolor. Pencil and watercolor on paper. (Based on a photograph by David Adam Kess.)

The great frigatebird, and his marvelously crimson gular sac. Watercolor on paper. (Based on a photograph by Jason Corriveau.)

A tawny female sea lion. Watercolor on paper. (Based on a photograph by Casey Klebba.)

A tree cactus. I’d love one in my backyard, but I can’t even keep a tiny potted version alive. Pencil and watercolor on paper. (Based on this photograph.)

And a structure that looks almost like its starfish namesake. Pen, ink, and watercolor on paper. (Based on a photograph by Gary Stolz.)

One day, I would love to visit these islands — whichever one is open to tourists, armed to the teeth with pencils (yes, even pencils and not my beloved pens), sketchbook, sunhat, sunscreen, and camera. And hopefully keep up with the tortoise on its leisurely, grassy, fine dining stroll.