…but my son Robin did instead. And he took wonderful, soulful photos that he shared with me. So of course I had to sketch them, starting with this otter whose expression really struck me. It came out a little different in each sketch.
I finally threw away the Pigma Brush Pen I used for this sketch. The point seemed to fray on first use and only got worse. The Pitt Artist Brush Pens seem to hold up better.
I think this one is my favorite either because of his expression (why am I assuming it’s a boy?) or because the drawing reminds me of a series of children’s books I used to read to my sons when they were little, about a little badger named Francis.
And here is Robin’s original photo:
I wonder what this cute little guy was thinking. Doesn’t this just call for a caption? What would it be?
Jana Bouc, Artist 
16 replies on “I Otter Go to the Zoo”
The top sketch gets my vote! I used to photograph and (try to!) sketch a cute otter at the zoo in Auckland, many years ago.
And a caption?
“Lunch is a little late today.”
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Thanks Diane. Yeah that would make me look a little annoyed too! Jana
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How cute he is and the sketches are great too. Yes, the little guy needs a caption.
Wendy
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What a sweet boy! That expression! I think he is saying something like, “Hey, where did everybody go?” or “Hmm, oh well, stuck at the zoo…again” All 3 sketches have their own little personality. Looks like a fun effort.
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I can’t think of a caption, but you’re becoming quite adept with the gouache. It seems to like you! Really nice job on the first sketch, though I like the others too.
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Thanks Nel. After I saw Loise Stanley’s gouache paintings in her journals that I posted about tonight, I made a note to myself to really learn to use gouache. I found an out of print book about gouache that is supposed to be good at one of the libraries in our system and ordered it. Jana
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You are so right – this fella’s expression is priceless!
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Wonderful sketches, and I like that you tried several different approaches to it!
The expression on the otter’s face is similar to the one I had after waiting in line for two hours at the DMV, only to be told you’re missing a piece of paper, you’ll have to come back and try again.
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Oooh, I think my expression would be a bit more annoyed than his after that. Two hours in line at DMV!? How awful! \
There was a funny TV show called “Reaper” where the DMV was the portal through which escaped souls were sent back to Hell. It was a funny premise, but rather too true! Jana
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caption: “I’d rather be at the San Diego Zoo?” Reminds me that our zoo is now the first to go Google Map street view. I’m inspired to check out our otters.
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He is so cute! Love the sketches! The second is my favorite too.
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Love these adorable otter sketches, especially the first one!
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“so, should I have the mackerel for breakfast or the sardines? If I have the sardines, then I can have the leftover trout for lunch…”
love how you captured his nose and cute little mouth…
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That is so perfect! I knew I recognized that expression and that’s exactly what it is, something I go through daily! Jana
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Awwww he’s so cute. I really like “Perplexed Otter” he has so much character. They’re all beautiful pictures.
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Otters are just about the cutest critters around! Jana
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