The other day we went to Maplewood Farm for the morning, bringing along fresh veggies for the bunnies and seeds for the birds.
It’s hard to say who gets more out of a trip to the farm. Esmé loves planning and packing and doling out treats for the rabbits, and she especially adores the guinea pigs who room in with said bunnies. Hawk loves the ducks and the chickens, and often just observes them and then screeches with glee. He’s very good about not running after them, which is ever so sweet. Jack loves watching the kids interact with the various beasties, and I get to be distracted by all the characters there are to be imagined and studied.
This time I packed my sketchbook and pencils along with Esmé’s, and while Jack kept an eye on Hawk, I spent some time sketching the animals and taking photos. I love drawing from real life, and especially so with animals. By the time we left, I’d fallen in love with an imaginary Indian Running Duck who will very likely make his way into a children’s picture book someday.
When it comes to inspiration for imaginary characters, there’s nothing better than drawing from real life. Figuratively, and literally.
