Barred owls are a relatively common sight in this area, and I occasionally catch glimpses of them or their young as the owls hunt in nearby meadows, often towards dusk. Their predatory nature often earns them a chorus of angry crows or other disgruntled birds that attempt to escort them away from their territory.
Using fluid, minimal brushstrokes in this study, I tried to capture the distinctive markings and large dark eyes of the owl as it perched on a branch surveying the landscape. The soft hues evoke the meadow during twilight. While a simple transparent watercolor sketch, the owl’s posture and connection to its surroundings aim to reflect the quiet wildness of this non-migratory native raptor that resides in the Eastern United States including my corner of Minnesota.
2 responses to “Observations of Owls”
HI REBECCA, I LOVE YOUR PAINTINGS. I LEARNED TO WATERCOLOR FROM SUSAN HARRISON TUSTAIN IN NEW ZEALAND. SHE HAS A SIMILAR WAY OF PAINTING IN FINE DETAIL. I WOULD LIKE TO TRY USING THE HOT PRESS ILLUSTRATION BOARD. COULD YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU BOUGHT IT? I BOUGHT ONE PIECE AT MY LOCAL ART STORE AND IT WAS TERRIBLE. I ONLY PAINT FOR MY OWN PLEASURE. I TAUGHT DEAF CHILDREN FOR 30 YEARS AND NOW I JUST WANT TO ENJOY MY ART. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. KEEP PAINTING THOSE ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS PAINTINGS, SUSAN
Hi Susan! Thank you. I stock up every so often and usually have to hunt around when my supplies are getting low. Art shops are often limited in their variety of stock, unfortunately.. but it is nice to be able to inspect the feel of the product you’re buying in person. You may find better options online and have them ship it to you. I’ve been able to get free samples on occasion also. I just made a post showing the variations of paint on surfaces and how a number of them allow for detail. Hope that helps! https://rebeccalatham.com/2023/07/choosing-the-right-painting-surface-for-watercolor/