The Far Side of Antarctica and South Georgia

Thrilling is to walk on sea ice surrounded by towering grounded icebergs to encounter a n emperor penguin rookery.  There is a limit to how close we are allowed to approach such creatures, but if one is still, they will curiously approach us.  In this case it is a study in drawing the shapes and gestures of the penguins, in which the chicks are undergoing molting thus creating a community of varied characters.  The solid fast ice is extending much further than normal this year, making it an even further journey for the parents to get food from the sea for their chicks.  Much of the Polar Regions are undergoing an increased melting trend, but this area has had a very cool season.  This cold makes me move to sketch a few different compositions and finish these more complicated paintings back in the comforts of the ship.