Love in lockdown can be tricky – but this Valentine’s Day, Battersea is offering couples a virtual date with a difference.
The much-loved animal charity has teamed up with Wild Life Drawing to run a special life drawing class with some of its rescue dogs as models on 14 February.
Budding artists can channel their inner Jack from Titanic and put pen to paper to capture the individual personalities of the canine models while helping to support the thousands of dogs and cats that come through Battersea’s gates each year – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Artist Jennie Webber will host the Zoom class from her studio, while Battersea Rehoming and Welfare Manager, Becky Lodder, will talk about the dogs and the valuable work the charity has been doing for dogs and cats across the UK and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic.
Becky said: “Valentine’s Day is all about love and we know the love of our rescue pets has rescued many of us over the past year. Whether you’re looking for a lockdown date with a difference with your Valentine, need a fun activity to entertain the kids or you’re just looking for something fun to do with friends, by taking part in this life drawing class, you can help support rescue dogs and cats and show them a little love in these uncertain times.”
The class will run 2-3.30pm on Sunday 14 February and will include an initial tutorial from Jennie on shapes and angles before participants will have chance to meet some of Battersea’s dogs. Jennie is donating 50% of proceeds to the care of Battersea’s dogs and cats.
Jennie said: “I truly believe that everyone is an artist – even if you’ve not picked up a pencil for years – and that’s why this class is open to all ages and abilities, with plenty of helpful tips and creative support throughout. Drawing is such a calming activity, a wonderful way to forget your worries for a little while and to support Battersea’s dogs and cats in need at the same time!”
Tickets will be on sale for £10 each, and participants will need basics such as paper and pencils but other materials and mediums are welcome. To sign up, or to find out more about Battersea, please visit www.battersea.org.uk or https://www.wildlifedrawing.co.uk.
