"Animals From My Album" by Jan Sokolovsky

The book *Animals from My Album* by Jan Sokołowski has long held a place on my bookshelf. Today, friends, I would like to introduce you to the works of this talented artist.

 

In response to the question "Why do I draw animals?", he writes: "Drawing animals is like hunting: there are days when fortune smiles and the hunt is successful, and there are moments when strenuous efforts go to waste. I believe that photography cannot replace a drawing or a painting. Photography and drawing are different things that cannot be compared."

 

 

 

He goes on to write: "The mobility of animals, their constantly changing facial expressions, and features that are entirely distinct for each species make it impossible to find a more difficult subject."

 

 

"Animals never seek to make the artist's task easier, even though some observers imagine that a beast... might take pride in its beauty and willingly pose. That a squirrel is restless comes as no surprise to anyone, but I myself would never have believed an elephant could be so fidgety had I not had the chance to draw one."

  

Sokolovsky recounts: "Among the many acquaintances and friends I have made while drawing animals at the zoo, I count children aged seven to twelve. They sit down beside me and... do their best to help. The children greet every new drawing with loud approval and urge me to keep working."

 

 

I showed illustrations from the book, accompanied by quotes from the artist Jan Sokolovsky about his work. It would be hard to describe the creative process any better. His pencil and painted illustrations beautifully capture the personalities and behavioral traits of the animals and birds. 

I hope this makes you want to look at the album yourself—or even visit the zoo, if it happens to be open right now.