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INKTOBER?  WHAT IS THAT? 

Inktober is an annual 31-day drawing challenge, during the month of October, to complete one ink drawing a day. It was conceived in 2009 by Mr. Jake Parker, an illustrator and cartoonist on children’s books and comics. It was initially a challenge to himself for the purpose of improving his own inking skills. It has since grown in popularity among artists and drawing enthusiasts worldwide, with drawings posted on social media, accompanied by the hashtags #Inktober and #Inktober2023 (or whatever is the current year).  You can find more information about Inktober at  https://inktober.com/.        

I'm Dave Merriam (Papa D to my grandkids).  I've been drawing and painting since the late 1990s.  My usual drawing media are charcoal pencil and graphite pencil.  These are much more forgiving than ink. They allow for easy changes.  I am relatively new to ink drawing, and it is indeed a challenge, since I have to learn to accept whatever ink marks I put on paper -- they can't be changed.  So the annual Inktober challenge is a great learning experience, and I look forward to creating better drawings as time goes on.  I'm having fun!  

I first took the challenge in 2019.  You're invited to take a look at the work I have done so far.  

DRAWING GALLERY

Inktober 2023

Inktober 2022

Inktober 2021

Inktober 2020

Inktober 2019

VISIT MY OTHER BLOGS

1. Here is a collection of simple drawings that I have done, along with some of my best works that have been on display in various gallery shows.     

Papa D's 642 Things to Draw  http://papads642thingstodraw.blogspot.com/

2. This is my summer art camp with my 5 grandkids.   

Papa D's Art Camp  

https://papadsartcamp.blogspot.com/

Inktober 2023

Inktober 2023 ran from October 1st through October 31st.

This year, instead of posting a new drawing every day as I have done in prior years, I posted drawings on October 1st and 31st, and every third day in-between -- a total of twelve drawings.

The focus this year was on animal species classified as vulnerable, threatened or endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

This year's cover drawing is of a Vaquita, a porpoise endemic to the northern end of the Gulf of California.  It is currently listed on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered with declining population. It is currently estimated that there are as few as 10 individuals remaining in the wild.  The population decline is due primarily to bycatch in gillnets that are used in the illegal fishery of totoaba, which is also listed by IUCN as vulnerable. Thanks to Keya Kulkarni of Pune, Maharashtra, India for providing the reference photo for this drawing. 

Instead of following the suggested prompt list provided by Inktober.com, I created my own prompt list, as shown here.

1 Oct

Walrus

ballpoint, PITT shades of grey

The Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is a large marine mammal, and member of the clade Pinnipedia, residing in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, primarily in the arctic regions.  It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.  The primary predators of Walrus are Polar Bears and Killer Whales, but the main threat to walruses is declining sea ice due to rising global temperatures and the rapidly advancing climate crisis. Walruses need sea ice for resting, socialization, giving birth and nursing young.  

3 Oct

Red Wolf

ballpoint, PITT shades of grey

The Red Wolf (Canis rufus) is a canine native to the Southeastern United States.  It is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Threats to the Red Wolf population include hunting by humans and hybridization by the coyote. As of 2023, there are approximately 35 individuals in the wild and about 270 red wolves in zoos and captive breeding programs across the U.S.

6 Oct

Vancouver Island Marmot

ballpoint

The Vancouver Island Marmot is endemic to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.  By conservative estimates, there are fewer than 200 marmot in the wild, based on field counts.  The primary threats to marmots include native predators, forest loss due to logging, and longer term predicted habitat loss associated with climate change.

9 Oct

Hangul

ballpoint

The only viable population of the Hangul, or Kashmir Stag, is in Dachigam National Park and adjoining protected areas in India. The Hangul is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Population estimates are fewer than 200 individuals in the wild.  Poaching, by both civilian and military personnel, was identified as the main cause of the decline of the Hangul. The problem is also likely due to the lack of commitment by protected area staff.  Incursion of nomadic livestock herders and predation of fawns by their guard dogs is reportedly also a significant problem that is not being effectively dealt with.

12 Oct

Brown Spider Monkey

ballpoint

Brown spider monkeys (Ateles hybridus) are found in Colombia and Venezuela.  The Brown Spider Monkey is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their greatest threat appears to be habitat alteration through farming, ranching and human settlements. They are also hunted for subsistence and for medicinal use.

15 Oct

Snow Leopard

ballpoint, PITT shades of grey

The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is found in 12 countries in Asia. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.  The main threats are competition with livestock and retaliatory killing, habitat degradation and declines in prey, illegal trade in furs, bones and other body parts, climate change, mining, large scale infrastructure and barriers such as roads or fenced railway lines.

18 Oct

Caspian Seal

ballpoint

Caspian Seals (Pusa caspica) are found only in the Caspian Sea, with seasonal migration between the southern, middle, and northern basins.  They are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.  A 2015 estimate placed their population at about 34,000.  Threats to the seal population include hunting, disease, by-catch in illegal sturgeon fisheries and potentially climate change.

21 Oct

African Grey Parrot

ballpoint, PITT Shades of Grey

The Grey Parrot, Psittacus erithacus, has a distribution extending through various countries of Aftica. It is listed as endangered, with declining population, on the IUCN Red List. It is one of the most popular avian pets in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East due to its longevity and unparalleled ability to mimic human speech and other sounds.  The extent of the annual harvest of this species for international trade, in combination with the rate of ongoing habitat loss, are the main reasons for the population decline and IUCN classification. 

24 Oct

White’s Seahorse

ballpoint

White’s Seahorse, Hippocampus whitei, is a coastal seahorse that inhabits estuaries and areas with seagrasses, macroalgae, corals, sponges, and anthropogenic structures in some of the most densely populated areas in Australia. These areas are subject to a range of anthropogenic impacts, including coastal development, pollution, destructive boat anchoring, and sedimentation. This species is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.  Recently, there have been documented population declines at several locations, primarily as a result of loss of important marine habitats such as soft corals and sponges.

27 Oct

Manatee

ballpoint

Manatees are marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows, and often referred to as gentle giants. All three species of manatees are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. They have struggled to coexist with humans. Among the threats are habitat loss due to rapid human population growth, and increased development along waterways resulting in the destruction of natural nesting areas that manatees rely on for survival. Water pollution causes algae outbreaks that kill seagrass — an important food source for manatees. 

30 Oct

Cuvier's Hutia

ballpoint

Cuvier's Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium) is known to exist in only a few isolated areas on Hispaniola. It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is herbivorous and eats numerous plants and local crops. It is considered to be an agricultural pest and is therefore often killed. It is also opportunistically hunted for food in Haiti.

31 Oct

Binturong

ballpoint

The binturong (Arctictis binturong), also known as the Bearcat, is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because of a declining population. Major threats to the Binturong are hunting and habitat loss through logging and land development. 

 See Inktober   2019    2020   2021   2022   2023

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Inktober 2022

 

Inktober 2022 ran from October 1st to October 31st, 2022. 

Instead of one drawing per day, as in past years, this year my plan is to post drawings on Oct 1st and 31st, and every third day in-between -- a total of 12 drawings.  

I have created my own prompt list. Some of the prompts match those on the official Inktober prompt list, while the rest are my own.  Here they are: 

As in 2020 and 2021, this year’s drawings will have a climate and environmental protection theme.  We are in a climate emergency as stressed in a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  To preserve a livable planet for future generations, it is incumbent upon humanity to take action to end carbon emissions and other forms of pollution.  So each of these drawings will present a simple environmental protection message.

As ink is not my usual medium, all drawings will be simple subjects. 

1 Oct
Planet

ballpoint, Pigma brush, Uniball Micro, PITT shades of grey, Supertips color markers, Scribble Stuff color felt pens

All life on our planet is at risk from climate breakdown. We need to act quickly to end greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources to avert extreme climate disaster. 

3 Oct
Bat

Profile black & color ballpoint, Pigma Micron felt tip, PITT shades of grey

We need to share the planet with all wildlife, which provide balance and stability to nature's processes.

6 Oct

Marine

Pigma Micron, Pigma Graphic, PITT shades of grey, Tombow grey

Marine life provide essential balance to our global ecosystems and need to be protected to help maintain a healthy planet. 

9 Oct

Nest

ballpoint, PITT shades of grey

Respect all wildlife, essential to a healthy planet, and protect endangered species.

The Giant Ibis is classified, on the IUCN red list, as critically endangered. There are fewer than 200 adult individuals remaining.

12 Oct

Forget

ballpoint, Tombow brushes, PITT shades of grey

National Farmers' Day USA, Oct 12

Don't forget the hard-working people who provide our food. Help protect their livelihood and the lives of everyone by taking bold climate action to reduce drought.

15 Oct

Armadillo

ballpoint, PITT shades of grey

Respect and protect all wildlife, essential to a balanced environment and a healthy planet

"Armadillos can control pests, disperse seeds, and be effective sentinels of potential disease outbreaks or bioindicators of environmental contaminants." --Thiago F. Rodrigues, Aline M. B. Mantellatto, Mariella Superina, Adriano G. Chiarello, in a biological review from the Cambridge Philosophical Society.

18 Oct

Warm

ballpoint

The climate crisis and warming oceans are threatening all marine life, important to balanced ecosystems and a healthy planet. We need to take serious action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and slow global heating.

21 Oct

Wild

ballpoint, PITT Shades of Grey

National Reptile Awareness Day, USA

 Reptiles face extinction from logging, hunting, land conversion and climate change. An analysis of the state of the world's reptiles, published in Nature, showed that 21 percent of reptile species face extinction. The loss of reptiles could have a significant impact on ecosystems, with such effects as increases in pest insects. The article stated that biodiversity, including reptiles, underpins the ecosystem services that provide a healthy environment for people. We should respect and protect all wildlife for a balanced environment and a healthy planet. 

24 Oct

Dry

ballpoint

The climate crisis is leading to increased drought, crop loss and hunger in some regions of the world. Wealthy nations are most responsible for the climate crisis, while the countries least responsible are impacted the most. Wealthy nations need to accept responsibility and take action to slow the advancement of climate breakdown.

27 Oct

Life

ballpoint, Tombow brushes, Supertips color markers

Food is the essence of life. By cutting greenhouse gas emissions, we stem the climate crisis and reduce drought, crop loss and food insecurity.

30 Oct

Rise

ballpoint

Climate-induced sea-level rise is leading to flooding in low-lying coastal habitats. This rise is caused by expanding oceans due to temperature increases, and melting Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets and glaciers. Sea-level rise can also lead to higher storm surges and more dangerous tsunamis. We all need to do our part to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce global temperature rise. 

31 Oct

Farm

ballpoint, Pigma Micron, Tombow brushes, Pitt Shades of Grey, SuperTips color markers

The climate crisis is leading to increased drought, which puts farming and our food supplies at risk. It is important that we all accept changes to our lifestyles in order to cut carbon emissions and slow the effects of climate breakdown for the sake of current and future generations.

See Inktober   2019    2020   2021   2022   2023

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Inktober 2021

Inktober 2021 ran from Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 31st, 2021.

In 2020 I followed a set of suggested drawing prompts posted at Inktober.com.  This year I followed my heart and drew whatever felt appropriate each day. Therefore I sometimes used the suggested prompts, and on other days I instead represented my own ideas.   

Here are the suggested prompts posted at Inktober.com:

We are now in a climate emergency, code red, as emphasized by a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In light of this, I  have integrated my enjoyment of drawing with my desire to help save the planet from the rapidly accelerating effects of climate change, for the sake of current and future generations. So each drawing has an ecology or environmental protection theme, and is accompanied by a climate action message. 

As ink is not my usual medium, all of these drawings are simple subjects. 

Click or touch image to enlarge.   

Day 1
Crystal
ballpoint

Keep water in lakes and streams crystal clear. Don't pollute.

  

Day 2
Suit
Uniball Micro, Pigma Brush, PITT Shades of Grey

We can't just move to the moon when we destroy our planet. We need to save Earth.

Day 3
Vessel
Uniball Micro, PITT Shades of Grey, Super Tips color markers

Expect more frequent and more intense storms.  Now is the time for humankind to end fossil fuel use and transition to renewable energy to minimize the impact of climate breakdown.

Day 4
Knot
ballpoint, PITT Shades of Grey

Expect more intense storms due to climate change.  Be prepared to tie things down.

Day 5
Raven
ballpoint

Protect all wildlife, essential to the health of our planet.

Day 6

Spirit
Uniball Micro, Pigma Micron felt tip, Pigma Graphic felt tip

Avoid non-essential air travel, a major greenhouse gas emitter and contributor to global heating and climate breakdown. 

Day 7
Transition
ballpoint, Uniball Micro, PITT Shades of Grey

End fossil fuel use, transition to renewable energy.

Day 8
Watch
ballpoint, Pigma Micron, color markers

Respect all wildlife, essential to the health of our planet.

Day 9
Pressure
Uniball Micro, PITT Shades of Grey, Tombow gray 

Expect more frequent storms with advancing climate breakdown.

Day 10
Pick
ballpoint, PITT shades of Grey, color markers 

The climate crisis impacts agriculture and our food supply. We need to act urgently to stem the effects of climate change.

Day 11
Sour
ballpoint, color markers 

The climate crisis leads to increased draught, risking our food supply. We need to take swift action to curb the effects of global heating.

Day 12

Stuck
Uniball Micro, Pigma Graphic, PITT Shades of Grey, color markers 

The climate crisis leads to more flooding, and more mud. Governments and individuals need to do their part to stem climate change.

Day 13

Endangered
ballpoint

Be aware of endangered species, important to biodiversity and balanced ecosystems. Respect and protect them.

Thanks to Keya Kulkarni of  Pune, Maharashtra, India for her reference photo of the Vaquita, a marine mammal listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is estimated that there are as few as 10 vaquitas alive today. For more information about the vaquita and for amazing and mind-blowing facts about many animals, visit Keya's twitter account @AnimalFacts_81.

Day 14
Wild
ballpoint 

Biodiversity is essential to the health of our planet. Respect and protect all wildlife. 

Day 15
Fungus
ballpoint 

All living organisms play a part in our global ecosystems. We need to take proper care of them and act quickly to save our planet from further climate breakdown. 

Day 16
Octopus
ballpoint 

Protect all marine life, crucial to balanced ecosystems and a healthy planet.

Day 17
Quail
ballpoint 

Wildlife provide balance and stability to nature's processes. Their protection is important to a healthy planet.

Day 18
Moon
Pigma Micron,  Pigma Graphic, Pigma brush, PITT shades of grey

No sense in dreaming of moving to the moon after we destroy our planet. We need to save Earth.

Day 19
Whale
ballpoint, PITT shades of grey

Marine life are essential to providing balance to our global ecosystems, and need to be protected.

Day 20
Sprout
ballpoint

Plant trees, protect our forests. These are significant carbon sinks crucial to the health of our planet.

Day 21
Fuzzy
ballpoint

Respect and protect endangered species, important to balanced ecosystems and a healthy planet.

Thanks to Keya Kulkarni of  Pune, Maharashtra, India for her reference photo of the Iberian Lynx, a wild cat species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe and listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.  As of 2021 their population is 1111. For more information about the Iberian Lynx, and for amazing and mind-blowing facts about many animals, visit Keya's twitter account @AnimalFacts_81.

Day 22
Open
Uniball Micro, PITT Shades of Grey, Pigma Micron

Open your mind to the reality of the climate emergency. Act now to save the planet and the future of our children and grandchildren!

Day 23
Leak
ballpoint

Water is a precious resource on our planet. Don't waste it. Fix that leaky faucet.

Day 24
Extinct
ballpoint, PITT Shades of Grey

To slow the rapidly accelerating effects of the climate crisis, we need to limit global temperature rise to less than 1.5C above pre-industrial level. To accomplish this we need to leave fossil fuels in the ground and begin a rapid transition to renewable energy.

Day 25
Polar
ballpoint

Shrinking sea ice, due to accelerating climate change, is threatening the polar bear population and putting it at risk of extinction. We need bold climate action to slow the effects of the climate crisis.

Day 26
Connect
ballpoint, PITT Shades of Grey, Super Tips color markers

Climate change ... drought ... wildfires ... connect the dots.

Day 27
Spark
ballpoint, PITT Shades of Grey

Respect all wildlife, important to the health of our planet.

Day 28

Crispy
ballpoint, PITT Shades of Grey, color markers

Expect higher temperatures and increased drought. We need bold and aggressive action now to address the climate emergency.

Day 29
Patch
ballpoint, color markers

Agriculture will be seriously impacted by the climate crisis. We need immediate and bold climate action, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to avert drought and severe weather events that will lead to crop loss and food shortage.

Day 30
Slither
ballpoint, PITT Shades of Grey

Respect all wildlife, important to balanced ecosystems and a healthy planet. 

Day 31
Risk
Uniball Micro, Pigma Graphic, PITT Shades of Grey

Inaction on the climate crisis puts all life on our planet at risk. For the sake of our children, grandchildren and all future generations, we have a moral responsibility to make bold changes to our way of life that will achieve drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

See Inktober   2019    2020   2021   2022   2023

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