A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Laughing Kookaburra

It only seemed like Laughing Kookaburras would be appropriate for today since I could use a good laugh. I just imagine them sitting around entertaining each other. A symbol of Australia's birdlife, they get their names from their laughter-like call. I think I have some deep inner fascination with Australian wildlife. The continent is so full of rich and interesting animals. It's at the top of my list to visit someday. I promise I'll get there Nicole! ;)

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Fennec Fox

Just a quick sketch today. I'd like to say I'm greatly exaggerating the size of this fox's ears in relation to its body, but I'm not. This is the Fennec fox which is found primarily in the deserts of North Africa and parts of the Middle East. Their huge ears radiate heat and keep them cool during the day. They also have long, thick fur that keeps them warm at night and protects them from the daytime sun. They even have hairy feet that protects them from the scorching sand.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Sea Otters

Aww, I missed my little cartoon friends, so I thought I'd throw them in the mix here. Sea otters are commonly seen off the California coast. Sarah and I saw many of them while in Monterey Bay recently. They have an instinct to wrap themselves in seaweed and float on their backs sleeping. They also do this while eating, where they'll put a shellfish on their chests and bang a rock against it until it's broken open revealing the tasty inside. Good times!

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Wolf

OH I'm on to you Photoshop. This is a rare piece of mine done completely in this program, whereas most of my work is done in Painter, and finishing touches done in Photoshop. Practice, practice, I'm getting there.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Ladybug

A little twist on a famous beetle, not Paul or Ringo though. Like most brightly colored animals ladybugs are colored the way they are as a warning to predators that I'm foul tasting. They secrete a bad tasting liquid from their hindquarters. Of course they're primarily red, this is just a fun variation.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Llama

Llamas are relatives of camels living in South America, primarily Peru. They serve such multiple purposes to man. They are very reliable pack animals, leather is made from their hides, the coats are used to make rope, rugs, and fabrics. Llama meat is a popular item and finally their excrement is dried and used for fuel.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Zebra Finch

Zebra finches are found in many parts of the world, though they're very popular in Australia. They're a pretty popular pet store bird as well.
In a recent scientific study, they were found to sing in their sleep. "The zebra finch appears to store the neuronal firing pattern of song production during the day and reads it out at night, rehearsing the song, and, perhaps, improvising variations. The match is remarkably good."
It's a suggestion to the key role sleep plays in the learning process. I guess this is something I should listen to, learn from, and get more sleep.

Ok, but where's the art?...

Haha, little inside joke from my college days. Anywho I made this image for my nephew as a birthday gift. Nothing original here, but it was good painting practice.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Grizzly Bear

I've been beyond tired lately, and it just seemed like a grizzly bear ready for hibernation is how I feel.

Even though grizzlies can weigh up to 800 lbs and be 10ft tall when standing on two legs, they are pretty fast runners. They've been clocked at up to 30 mph, so hopefully you have your nikes on if one is running at you.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Dingo

Now when Australians say "Don't play with your Dingo", they mean don't mess with the Dingo. They're wild dogs know for their home in Australia, though they're also found in southeast Asia. They look friendly enough, but in reality have not become fully domesticated by man. Similar to wolves, some people to try to do this, but there's always a danger involved.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) African Lion

There's not much to say about lions that isn't already known by people. One thing I can show though is one of the most amazing animal confrontations caught on film. Don't worry watching it, there's a happy ending. Check it out here.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Pelican

I always think now of Finding Nemo with these guys, and them arguing with the Seagulls. "Mine! Mine! Mine!" Pelicans are of course known for their large flexible bill. They're found throughout the world, with the Australian Pelican having the largest bill of any bird.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Siberian Tiger

Siberian tigers are not only the largest of all tiger species, but the largest of the entire cat family as well. They're found in eastern Russia and parts of China and North Korea. There once were 8 subspecies of tigers but three became extinct all within the 20th century. Gotta watch out for these guys!

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Three Toed Sloth

Since I've been SO tired lately, and moving at a sloth-like pace, this seemed appropriate. Sloths are so slow and can be so sedentary that algae will grow on them. It gives their fur a greenish tint, that actually serves as a good camouflage living amongst the trees. They are unique within the mammal group in that they have an extra vertebrae in their neck, which allows them to turn their head nearly 270 degrees....zzzzzzzzzzzzzz...I......zzzz....AH! Ok off to bed.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Leopard gecko

Leopard Geckos. They're native to the Pakistan/India area. Found in the desert areas and brightly patterned to keep concealed from predators. Their large tails are used for fat storage.

A.O.T.D. (Animal of the Day) Flatworm

With no body cavity and no specialized respiratory or circulatory systems Flatworms are left with, well, a flat shape. Also like other certain worms they're famous for their regenerative abilities. If one were cut in half for example, each segment would grow to form a new worm. Also they're hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.

Waves

Inspirational quickie from my weekend trip to Big Sur. It was SO beautiful down there. Sarah and I spent most of the time in Monterey and Carmel, but then drove down a bit through Big Sur. It was so peaceful and fresh smelling, which is always welcoming after living in the city for so long.
The ocean is just addicting. I feel as if I could watch the waves all day, plus I love exploring the shoreline for little ocean and beach creatures hiding amongst the rocks. We saw tons of starfish, sea anenome, jellyfish, sea otters, seals, and pelicans. Such a great time!