Monday, May 3, 2010

Great Horned Owls





A pair of Great Horned owls, set up housekeeping last spring in an abandoned crow's nest right beside our house, and hatched three beautiful, white and fuzzy natural born killers. They were so exciting to watch, and we reveled in their presence for at least a couple of months. Upon learning to "almost" fly we would awake to find them on our deck, or barbecue or just sitting in a tree waiting for their next meal. The father, who is smaller than the female, helps feed and raise them, and it is he who I painted. He may look like he's sleeping, but I assure you, not even close. He is watching over the brood as junior sits in a tree willing him to go get some more food. I only saw them feed once early one morning, and let's just say there isn't a lot of chewing involved. I found duck parts all over the yard, and yet there is something endearing about these majestic birds. These paintings will go into a moleskin book for my friend James Parker, who requested pieces with a wildlife theme.
oil on paper 5 1/2" x 8"

8 comments:

  1. Amazing wildlife you have in your back yard, Vern...these are wonderful!

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  2. These are both just great, Vern...and what a great story to go with them! That must have been so much fun to watch those babies grow.
    I'm sure it did Rose a world of good too. So glad she is doing so great!

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  3. Wow, Vern! These are beauties. I love them both, and am in love with the fluff on the baby. Fantastic you've got these right in your back yard (well, except for the rabbit bits). I spend a lot of time cleaning up squirrel parts, so empathize. But how magnificent to get to see these owls 'up close.' Fantastic work.

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  4. I love these, Vern. Wow, what a thing to have Great Horned Owls in your backyard! I look forward to seeing these in person soon.

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  5. I love these! James Parker is a very lucky man!

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  6. It's bird season all over the world. Beautiful owls Vern - such wonderful majestic creatures! Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog.

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  7. OOO, these are stunning. So strong and rich. Beautifully done Vern!

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