Barn Owl, 9" x 12" Acrylic on Board

I love the coloration of the Barn Owl.  Creating a glow around them is a lot easier than some species.  I started this one some time back and had to stop, set it aside for other pieces.    This painting is close to completion at this point.  I'll finish up the details on the owl and move on to the branch that he is preparing to land on in the foreground.  There will be several dead leaves hanging from the branches echoing or repeating the color of the owls back side feathers.


I've yet to name this painting at this point.  I find thinking up names a giant task.   Sometimes a name will come before the drawing is completed and other times, ....... a BLANK!    


I'm already looking forward to starting another American Kestrel piece.  The size is yet to be determined but close to 18" x 10 - 12 ".    I have all the reference photos out and ready to go for the drawing.   While looking through photographs taken at a local water fall, I discovered a picture of a rock slope with beautiful ferns attached to the side in cracks.  Several rocks jet out offering up a lovely location for the Kestrel to land on but carefully. (perhaps to swoop in on a lizard should he be so lucky).  


Then perhaps start another drawing of several wolves and will include water and reflexions.   Several years ago while in The Rocky National Park in CO, I took some photos of a creek.  There are a so many water ways there.  This particular spot was so beautiful with dried grasses glowing and reflecting on the waters surface.   I've seen many places in Yellowstone that looked a lot like this.  (same flora and fauna too).   I'm looking forward to painting more complex pieces with perhaps a story or two in them.  

On the Easel..... Barn Owl and Flying Squirrel painting

I'm back to painting today in the studio having had a couple of days off.
It's time for the barn own and flying squirrel to come to life.  I'll be working on them both before returning to the background and foreground in the painting.


The original idea and drawing included snow on the branches.  I thought that the light color might bring more depth into the painting.  I've obviously not completed that yet, but... the more I visualize the finished piece in my head the snow would indeed strengthen and add even more depth moving the branches  forward and tie the whites in moving down the painting.  


There are many design challenges in working outside the one third rule in a painting.  I seem to like going beyond rules to challenge myself.  It does create more work by going in this direction.   What are rules anyway........  I tend to like breaking them......   Makes for a less boring time of life.  Right?  ..... ha ha ha!    


I have back up on this philosophy!!!!  My oldest son has a Masters in Fine Art and believes that if we artist always follow the rules, it stifles creativity!  I can see his point so clearly!  Though, I'm sure many would disagree.

Dire Wolves and Mammoths

My husband and I often watch the Science Channel and or Nat Geo in the evenings.   A recent documentary on the discoveries made at the La Brea Tar Pits prompted a visit there last Sunday.


The number of preserved fossils and variety found in the Asphalt pits there is the largest in the world.  A few to mention are Dire Wolf, Short-faced Bear, American Lion, Sabertoothed Cat among the Carnivores. Many Herbivores including, Columbian Mammoth, American Mastodon, Ground Sloths, Western Horse, Ancient bison, Dwarf Pronghorn, Extinct Camel.........(really!)


It's hard to imagine this ancient world standing on the grounds among all the high-rises, parking meters and cars honking!    The Museum has done a remarkable job covering the Ecosystem, environment through the periods up to and including the ongoing excavations.


If you are anywhere near the Los Angeles area.  We highly recommend a visit to the museum.