However, I was deeply inspired with everything I saw on our travels - in the South, New Orleans, Monterey, CA, and Arizona - and now we are mostly home for the next several months, which means time to make art! And write about it! And in the last few weeks, I have been busy reacquainting myself with my studio and making paintings.
One of the first pieces is a portrait of a barn owl, sporting a set of antlers. It is a 5" x 5" acrylic painting on clayboard masonite.
While in North Carolina, Nathaniel and I got to visit with our friends Kambriel and Curse, who took us to a raptor sanctuary - which was truly wonderful. There were ravens and magpies, vultures and hawks, and of course - owls. Including some of my most favorite - the barn owls!
So when I sat down to paint, I knew one of the subjects had to be a barn owl. And as I started work on this little painting more, she asked me for antlers. Perhaps a strange request (and as other people pointed, perhaps impractical?) but when an owl asks you for horns, you don't say no. This is how I roll.
Interestingly, while teaching a myth-based workshop on Saturday, I remembered a dream I had about 2 years ago, where I was being taunted by a large owl (something of a mix between 3 breeds, it kept shifting) with antlers - who, as he flew away said, "I am freer than you! You will never be as free as me!" or something to that effect.
Well, a lot happened in my life since then, so perhaps he was just trying to push me, versus being a sort of annoying soothsayer. However, I don't believe this owl lady here is of the same ilk. There's something more peaceful and knowing in her gaze, and the background is calming.
And she is the first piece I have decided to finally put on etsy...only have had a store sitting empty for a couple years now...so if she speaks to you - you can take her home!
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