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Owls, owls, owls

There are such wonderful organisations all over the UK which are dedicated to the preservation and the showing of wildlife; whether butterflies, birds, mammals, or wildflowers.

These organisations routinely pop up around shopping centres, markets, fairs and any public show.

Last Saturday, I came across some lovely ladies with their little flock of tame owls at the steam rally.

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I can’t even begin to tell you how valuable that is for me as an artist. To actually see an owl up close. To be able to take reference photos of the wings, talons, eyes…it’s probably what every wildlife artist dreams of.

Now I must have drawn, painted, sketched, and generally mucked up over 100 owl paintings in the last few years, but there’s always more to learn.

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Look at the feather structure in her face and around her beak.
That’s something which can’t be realised thru Google.

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And those eyes!

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And this Scottish owl. The size comparison to the girl’s hand in my photo makes it possible for me to paint it life-sized.

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This week, my reference photos have made it so much easier for me to paint a life-sized barn owl.

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I love this one.
Watercolours, inks, chalks on a page from that 100 yr old Mendelssohn book I’m working my way thru.

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The Scottish owl is next!

Comments: 8

  • July 26, 2016
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    So fabulous!! I love birds and owls are especially amazing. Thank you for sharing them and your lovely art/talent <3

  • July 26, 2016
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    Beautiful, I love the sound of them, hear them mostly at work when I’m off to bed… Although we do have a big white owl here at home who lives nearby, but you only see him in silent flight…

  • July 26, 2016
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    Brilliant! Beautiful! Breathtaking! I adore owls. What a fantastic opportunity for you, Veronica!! So thrilled and delighted for you! Cannot wait to see more of your beautiful, painted owls very soon! ???

  • July 27, 2016
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    how fabulous … they are regal birds

  • July 27, 2016
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    I adore Barn Owls! Gorgeous photos and a beautiful painting 🙂

  • July 27, 2016
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    Beautifully painted … and such great photos too. It must have been wonderful to be so up-close and personal with them. We hear owls at night in the wood at the bottom of the garden – I love falling asleep listening to them.

  • July 27, 2016
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    Oh wow, I just adore owls. They are such wise looking birds aren’t they? There markings are exquisite .. How lovely to get up close to them ?

  • July 29, 2016
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    Hi Veronica,

    Thank you for this lovely feature on your blog. We are happy you enjoyed seeing the birds! I just thought I would tell you that the little one is a Burrowing Owl, not a Scottish Owl!

    Many Thanks,

    The Birds4AllOccasions Team

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