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Young artists learn the finer points of wildlife painting at the Dehiwela Zoo
Natural talents
By Marisa de Silva
Leaning against the elephant enclosure at the Dehiwela Zoo, sketchbook and pencil in hand, Sujeewa Chandana, 31, is sketching the majestic animal before him. He is intent on his work.

Capturing the essence of wild animals is no easy task, because there's so much detail to take in. Minutes turn to hours and he is still glued to the spot, only the movement of his pencil and head indicates the sketch taking shape.

Sujeewa Chandana is a member of the Young Zoologists Association that conducts art classes with a difference at the Dehiwela Zoological Gardens. Shantha Jayaweera and Prasanna Weerakkody, two old hands of the YZA, were responsible for launching the art classes at the Zoo back in 1990.

The objectives of the class are to teach art and to learn about animals; their habitat, behaviour and migratory patterns etc. They hope to educate youth on nature and the environment and its conservation using art as a medium.

The classes aim to provide those who may not get the opportunity to travel to the country's wildlife parks and sanctuaries an opportunity to be in close proximity to wild life.

Shantha, Kulasiri Ranaweera and Sasitha Weerasinghe, three senior members of the YZA, spend most of their Sundays at the Zoo teaching eager young artists the finer points of capturing wild life on canvas. Presently, these classes are held during the weekend, with Saturday classes for junior members (6-14 yrs) and Sunday sessions for the seniors (14-35).

It's difficult to go straight into drawing animals, says Sasitha, so they start the beginners off on basic line sketches of trees etc. so that they can get the feel of the subject. This type of exercise also helps the artists do a quick sketch of the subject before it decides to strike a different pose!

Twenty-one-year-old Kasun Pradeepa, another talented member of the YZA, is the creator of a striking picture of a crouching leopard, drawn with much accuracy. He uses the line art technique to make his art come alive. Having been a member of the YZA for the past year, Kasun says that he was always interested in animals but was able to gain a more in-depth knowledge after joining the YZA. He draws animals, birds, scenes; anything that catches his attention and hopes to pursue painting as a career.

Sasitha and most of the other instructors consider Mr. Wimal Lokuliyana, their 'Guru'. The YZA holds two annual exhibitions on art and photography and all members are given an opportunity to exhibit their work.

The YZA is a non-profit, voluntary youth organization largely consisting of school children, undergraduates, young professionals and nature lovers from all walks of life. It has nearly 100 school branches islandwide and has also started up branch associations outside school.

Founded in 1972 by Mr. Lyn De Alwis, a world-renowned academic and nature lover and former Director of the Department of National Zoological Gardens, the Young Zoologists' Association (YZA) was expected to fill the void created by a lack of energetic and creative youth knowledgeable on the basic principles and applications of ecology and natural science.

Art classes apart, their pets’ corner at the Zoo has proved popular. Noel Thilakaratna, Vice President, Environment Action Committee of the YZA, says their idea was to let children get an 'up close and personal' experience of the animal kingdom.

The association conducts educational programmes every Saturday and Sunday, where each member participates in one of the main groups of study; mammals, reptiles, aquatic life, birds and flora. Members can take supplementary classes in nature photography and painting.

After completion of one year of study, students can join the advanced ecology group where they can obtain knowledge and field experience in applied conservation. Their weekly meetings are held every Sunday at 2 p.m. at the YZA Head Office within the Zoo premises. Those interested in joining are welcome.

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