Monterey Sketchbook, Part Two
Sketching at the Aquarium
Continued from: Monterey Sketchbook, Part One
Our sketching adventures continued with more exotic subjects at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You can’t miss the aquarium’s signature 28 foot tall Kelp Forest tank. And we found these frogs that looked exactly like they were made out of vinyl, except that they moved, so they’re not. The adorable and comical Sea Otters are a favorite of mine, and of everyone else’s too: the exhibit was packed all day.
I was most intrigued by the Giant Octopus, glued to the glass of his aquarium: he seemed to know that was his most impressive view. I was able to get a photo of him and ink in a sketch as well, which I painted later that day. It came out rather abstractly, but I like it.
See Also:
Monterey Sketchbook, Part One
Monterey Sketchbook, Part Three
Related Topics: California, Figures, Still Life, Travel Sketching
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March 17th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I really like your giant octopus, a wonderful way to approach it. The small crowd in front of the tall tank is great.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Amazing the octopus!!
I like very much your sketches!!!
Mariela
March 11th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
You know how I feel about this bold Octopus! Really, the tiny sketch should be blown up to poster size and would be a groovy abstract painting! Should be hanging in my Caribbean Villa 😉
Lisa
March 10th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I really wish we had gone to the Monterey Aquarium when we were there a few years ago. We did see the Seattle Aquarium in September, and I took my sketchbook (inspired by you and other intrepid on-site sketchers). Just like you, I was fascinated by the octopus, who apparently was shy of me, and swirled away after only a couple minutes.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Those otters are soooo cute. Did you know they’re endangered by people flushing cat litter (or it’s contents)? There’s something in cat poo that is toxic to them. I’ve scuba dived in Monterey and swimming through the kelp forest is truly magical.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Beautiful aquarium sketches MArtha! I love your giant octupus.
Ronell
March 10th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Cool, I always enjoy your entries!!
March 10th, 2008 at 5:47 am
I am grateful you attended the aquarium and shared these delightful observations with us.
Never stop traveling!
Neil