I'm delighted to say this painting of the Barn Owl and Flying Squirrel is finally complete.


There are many design challenges that went along with its concept.  I was determined to overcome them.  I believe I have.   


The branches basically tie these two subjects together.  There are two parallel lines, upper and lower almost presenting two separate paintings.  The "Z" created in the added branches help the eye flow through this piece.


The story here is one that is totally realistic in the wild.  Lunch, dinner or otherwise, this Owl has found it's prey and must navigate the thick wooded area through many branches!  It would be too realistic for most if this little flying squirrel did not escape this day!   It's my story, so please find relief that the owl will have to find something else for his meal.  He escaped!


The medium is acrylic painted on clayboard.  The size is 12" W x 24" H.


On the easel now is a small cotton tail and Saw Whet Owl.  I have a few days left to complete them.  As they are smaller and less complicated, it should not be that difficult.


I have one commission to start up again next week.  Clients can only be so patient, deadlines, shows or what!   This commission is a fun piece.  It depicts a cat snooping it's way the the weeds.  Cats love to do this playing "the hunter".   They are delightful to watch!  I find great humor it it!

New Print Release

Brenda D. Johnson Wildlife Art website updates are being updated as I type this including a new print release of "Night Moves" pictured here.   The image size is  a 9" x 12".  This Giclee is printed on canvas.


Canvas prints are truly lovely!  Each signed and numbered limited edition looks much like an original painting.  Archival inks and cotton duck canvas gives you years of enjoyment and way outlasts old 4 color process methods.


Other updates added are a number of Small Works now available.  Look for Ravens, Song Bird, Polar Bear, Raccoon, and two mini Hawksbill Turtles to name a few.   These small originals come custom framed to bring out the best of the subject matter and overall painting.


There is still time to collect one of these new works as gifts for yourself and or your loved ones.


Follow the link to www.bdjohnsonart.com for more information.  Feel free to call the studio if you have any questions regarding payment methods, shipping methods or the Artists inspiration in reference to the piece being considered.  We look forward to hearing from Wildlife enthusiast always !  


Happy Holidays to you and yours from the studio of Brenda D. Johnson Wildlife Art !   :-)

Announcing New Print Release

Just in time for The San Dimas Wildlife Art Festival next weekend this new print release titled "Night Moves".  Offering 50 Signed Numbered Limited Edition Canvas prints and 5 Artists Proof prints on Canvas.    Image size: 9" x 12"


Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!  :- )

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.

Barn Owl ~ New Canvas Print

"New Canvas Print Release" 12" x 24" Due out this
month. Call or email for details and pricing.


The Original Painting titled: "Who's Who" has returned
from The Art of the Animal X l l l at the Bennington
Center for the Arts in Vermont. It was an honor to be
juried into the prestigious show.

I have had a great response from those who have seen it.
A new print release is expected to fulfill the requests for
same. The new print will be a canvas giclee sized at
12" x 24". If you'd like to order a print of this very Limited
Edition, please contract me to be put on the list.

It's been a very busy summer and zipped by faster than
a tornado! I hope everyone has had a great summer and
hope to hear many exciting tales soon.

My next show is in San Dimas in October. (Check the website
for dates) If you'd like to receive an invitation to my open
studio in November, please email or call the studio with your
request.

Many new works are in progress, including birds of various
types (raptors too!) Fox kits, Bear and some kitties of course !

I'm looking forward to those stories of summer adventure!

Many are planning ahead for the holidays. If there is something
special you'd like painted for a love one or a treat for yourself, I'm
available for appointments at the studio to discuss your ideas.
(check website for contact information.)