Sea Otter ~ Aquarium of the Pacific ~ Time to study !

Probably the best thing about being a wildlife artist is the field work necessary to capture the best representation of the subjects or habitat being worked on.  In my case, the recent work on my Pacific Underwater painting has come to a point were my reference is somewhat inadequate.    So off I go again to gather those necessary refreshers on the subject; the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nersis).


Luckily the Aquarium of the Pacific offers up a very nice exhibit to observe and study this little darling of the sea.


A dear friend has offered to ride along and enjoy the day with me.  She is an artist in her own right and loves nature and wildlife as much as me.    I love my job!  Great friends and wildlife go together very well.   : )


The image I have posted here is of one tank among many at the aquarium.   Rather sets the mood I think!   I can't wait !


I was thinking about posting some of the finds on my other blog as well as this one.  So, with that, check back and follow the Wildlife with Brenda D. Johnson blog. for the next update on Pacific Otters and more.    : ) 

Pacific Underwater Scene... On the easel

My fascination with the ocean probably started when I was first introduced to Padre Island while living in Texas as a young child.
My parents took me to the beach often.  I remember the Gulf Coast well.  


Our family relocated to California around my 4th grade of school.  I fell in love with the California coast line.   


I've spent many a weekend and or weeks out on the ocean boating (including sailing) deep sea fishing, kayaking...... you name it.


Why I never chose to paint the ocean waters previously is beyond me because so far I've enjoyed every moment of the exploration and study required to do so!


This painting is the second of my adventures with painting the ocean.
I am in love with the lighting and cast shadows of underwater scenes.  The light dancing on objects below the surface is fascinating to me.


I hope to capture that same feeling with this new painting!  Of those
who know me also know, I love a good challenge when it comes to painting.   


A dear friend and I will be venturing down to Long Beach Aquarium to study some specific species which will be included in this painting.  Reference photos are difficult to get, so I'll be taking along sketch pad and pencil to capture a bit of anatomy for same.    


Here in this photo, you can see a nice base coat starting to build and a sense of depth.  I have a long way to go in completing this one.   The left side will have more kelp as well but the critters must to drawn in first to achieve overall balance.   


I will post updates as time permits.   I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories as well.  So please feel free to email or post to this blog.     : )