Penguin Art: ‘Push and Shove’ A Pencil Drawing by Kevin Hayler

This post reveals the story behind my penguin drawing. I’ll take you through how I found the subject, why I chose it, and how I turned the idea into a finished piece.

If you’ve ever wondered how artists pick their reference material, compose their drawings, and make them appeal to buyers, stick around.

This is a pencil drawing of two African penguins standing jostling for position. The penguin in the foreground is facing forward with a slight tilt of the head, while the second bird stands just behind and slightly to the left, with eyes open with a knowing look.

The birds are standing on a sandy beach casting shadows in the afternoon sun. The white background contrasts with the black plumage for an uncluttered, more dramatic image.

The Story Behind This Penguin Drawing

I saw these two penguins while visiting Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town in South Africa. It’s one of the few places where you can walk right alongside African penguins as they go about their business.

These two were part of a small group resting near the path, and they barely noticed me. That’s what made it work, I could observe them up close without disturbing them.

I’ve had a soft spot for penguins ever since. They’re instantly recognisable and easy for people to connect with. It’s the kind of subject that tends to draw a smile, and while that’s not always my goal, it doesn’t hurt when it comes to selling prints.

It’s one of those images that works quietly, there’s nothing dramatic happening, just two penguins jostling for space, but it holds attention all the same.

I find it is always easier to interest people in wildlife I’ve encountered in the wild, especially so when my customer has had the same or a similar experience. It creates an extra connection and often it’s these small things that tips casual interest into a sale.

The Title Matters

This drawing is titled “Push and Shove” which hints at a bit of friction between the two penguins. It looks like one might be edging the other out, and that’s exactly the kind of thing people notice and respond to.

In reality, the moment was far more ordinary. They were just standing side by side, not doing much at all.

But the title changes how we see it.

It suggests a human interaction and adds a light, familiar touch. That little bit of implied behaviour makes people smile because it feels relatable.

Giving your artwork a name that nudges the viewer in the right direction can make all the difference. It connects the image to something personal, and that emotional link is what often leads to a sale.

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I’ve got so many sales tips like this. If you need help selling your art in craft fairs read this:

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My Original Photo Reference

This drawing was pieced together from two separate reference photos taken just seconds apart. The penguins were moving around as they walked down the beach, so I didn’t get the perfect pose in a single shot. Instead, I took the best penguin from one photo and fused it with the best penguin from the other.

The overall structure came straight from the scene, but I made a few subtle changes to lift the image. I opened up the eyes slightly and added a touch of shine to bring them to life.

It’s a small adjustment, but it makes a big difference. That little glint helps draw people in and gives the penguins more presence and personality.

By combining the strongest elements from each shot and making a few simple tweaks, I ended up with a much stronger composition, still true to the original moment, just better presented.

‘Push and Shove’ A Framed Pencil Drawing of African Penguins

Here’s how the drawing looks once it’s professionally mounted and framed. I’ve used a slim black frame paired with a wide off-white mount. It’s a simple combination that works well with black and white artwork.

The broad mount gives the drawing space to breathe and helps focus the eye on the image. It’s clean, neutral, and suits just about any setting without competing for attention.

‘Push and Shove’ Hanging on the Wall

It’s not always easy to imagine how a print will look in a real space. These four mockups give you a better idea. Two are living room settings and two show how it might work in a bedroom.

The clean lines and monochrome tones make it easy to place without clashing with other colours or furniture. It’s a simple way to add some character without taking over the room.

These are my essential drawing materials:

• Pentel Mechanical Pencils 0.3mm
• Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils
• Daler-Rowney Heavyweight Cartridge Paper
• Jakar Battery Eraser
• Tombo Mono Eraser Pen
• Faber Castell Putty Eraser
• Blu Tack
• French Box Easel (A good portable alternative)

To find out why I use these drawing tools, read this: The Best Drawing Supplies

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