Explorers Education Programme launches the ‘Sea how to Draw’ classes online with cartoonist John Joyce
22 June 2020 - The Marine Institute Explorers Education Programme is delighted to launch its Explorers SEA how to Draw series, providing up to fourteen online drawing classes, delivered by popular cartoonist and author Dr John Joyce over the summer months.
Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute welcomed the Explorers initiative and collaboration with John Joyce. "As the Marine Institute's former communications manager, John has always been a strong advocate of the Explorers Education programme, raising awareness and engagement about our connection with the ocean. His cartoon drawings have engaged people of all ages and the humorous representations of scientists, marine animals, research ships and equipment continue to provide an engaging way to connect with scientists, researchers and the wider community at large."
As an author of children's books, ocean literacy advocate and marine science communicator, John Joyce's cartoons have been used in publications, newspapers and education workbooks throughout Ireland.
"I am thrilled to support the Explorers SEA how draw series. This is a great initiative allowing budding artists and cartoonists' the time and space to watch and follow the drawing process in their own time. Stopping and starting the online class is a great way to pick up on instructions and create a range of cartoon characters, including fun fishy faces, dashing dolphins, whopping whales to scary sharks," said John.
The step by step classes also include details of how to draw ships, divers and surfers as well as the Marine Institute's famous remotely operated vehicle ROV Holland I that travels to depths of 3000m beneath the sea. Drawing an ARGO float as well as the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer, which is responsible for fisheries and deep-sea research throughout Ireland, is also included in the drawing series.
John's cartoons have appeared in papers including 'The Irish Skipper', 'Inshore Ireland', 'Aquaculture Ireland', and 'Sherkin Comment'. He has also published a book called 'The Black John the Bogus Pirate Cartoon Workbook of Marine Beasts'.
"Among a number of marine themed illustrations created by John, he also provided the illustrations for Explorers Education Programmes 'Exploring Our Ocean Colouring Book' that promotes learning fun facts about the ocean young children," said Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Explorers Education Programme Strategic Manager, Camden Education Trust.
Coordinating the delivery of the online classes for Explorers SEA how to draw series, "I am thrilled to have worked with John to bring his unique style of cartoons classes on line. John provides us with a fun and engaging way to celebrate our connection with the ocean, learning how to draw, as well as picking up on interesting facts about the sea, marine life and ocean sciences," she added.
To follow the drawing classes see Explorers SEA how to Draw at www.explorers.ie. For more on the 'The Black John the Bogus Pirate Cartoon Workbook of Marine Beasts' see Facebook: @BlackJohntheBogusPirate
ENDS
Contact:
Cushla Dromgool-Regan
Education Programme Manager & Communications Lead
(Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme)
The Camden Education Trust
C/o Galway Education Centre
Cluain Mhuire, Wellpark, Galway
Mobile: + 353 (0) 87 9185519
Email: cushla.dromgoolregan@thecamdentrust.org
Website: www.explorers.ie
www.thecamdeneducationtrust.org
www.marine.ie