Wilbur: Sea Lion Artist Extraordinaire

Some folks swim with the dolphins. I opted to paint with a sea lion - a most amazing artist experience. Yes, a sea lion named Wilbur actually paints. On a canvas. For fish.

Where? Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, Florida.

On a recent vacation, I couldn't resist the opportunity. Come and take a look at Wilbur's creative process...

THE POSE:
Wilbur poses with his masterpiece. A little abstract, I might say:



VIDEO:
A short video of the experience:
(Note: my first attempt at using Google's video editor. Timing seemed accurate in the editor, but timeframes shortened in conversion - sorry!)

Wilbur: Sea Lion Artist Extraordinaire from Cheryl Kugler on Vimeo.

THE PROCESS:

So, here's Wilbur.



First step. Picking paints:
As the participant, you select 4 colors.



A close-up of Wilbur's brushes and paints:



Wil's first strokes:



Adding color:



Pink makes it POP:



The final painting:
Love Wilbur's whisker marks in the paint! So endearing.



And, with Wilbur's masterpiece:



(On a side note: lovin' the butterfly bench inside the aquamarine park. Would look great in the garden at home. Anyone know where to find one?!)

COME TO FIND OUT that artist/animal enrichment programs are available at zoos across the country. Check out a book called "Fur in My Paint" by Tifane Grace for more information. Paint with dolphins, snakes, orangutans, elephants, SEA LIONS, and more.

Truly an experience I will never, ever forget!

If you enjoyed this post, please check out:
* Pastured, Beyond Organic at Polyface Farm
* Rejuvenating the Artist's Soul at N. Myrtle Beach

Thanks for stopping by~