Wisdom of the Owl

The owl is the wisest of all birds because it sees the night and knows the secrets of the dark.

-Native American Proverb

**I’m sorry to say that my voice clip wouldn’t upload. It’s so windy and snowy here in our little house in the valley and our internet is not in its usual working order. Hopefully, the notes below are enough to guide you this time. Please reach out with questions, comments and of course, finished paintings!

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I have always loved owls and I’m excited to guide you through painting one today. Feel free to follow your own creative heart by adjusting colors and drawing ideas to fit your own unique ideas and vision. As the saying goes “Take what you need and leave the rest.”

Happy painting!

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Materials You’ll Need:

Watercolor paper (cold press recommended)

Watercolor paints (a mix of earthy tones, blues, and whites)

Paintbrushes (round brushes, size 4, 6, and a detail brush)

Water jar

Paper towel

Palette

Pencil and eraser

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sketch the Owl and Landscape

Start by lightly sketching the basic shape of the owl in the foreground. Add a simple horizon line with trees in the distance and a moon above. Keep the background soft and the details minimal.

Tip: Use soft, minimal pencil lines to avoid harsh marks under the watercolor.

2. Establish the Sky

Using a wet on wet technique we will create the Sky.

Wet the sky area with clean water using a large brush.

Add a wash of deep indigo or Prussian blue, letting it bleed slightly toward the moon.

Soften the edges around the moon for a glowing effect.

3. Create the Forest Silhouette

While the sky is still damp, use a small round brush to add dark pine tree silhouettes.

Vary the height of the trees for a more dynamic effect.

Tip: Use a dry brush technique for a more textured, natural look.

4. Paint the Owl’s Base Layer

Use light washes of burnt sienna, sepia, and raw umber to block in the owls body.

Leave highlights around the face and eyes to suggest light reflecting off the snow.

5. Add Details to the Owl

Once the base is dry, layer in darker tones to create texture and depth in the feathers.

Add speckling on the body to mimic the owl’s natural patterns using a small detail brush.

Use black or dark brown for the eyes, leaving small white highlights for life-like reflections.

Paint the beak and talons with a deep gray or yellow ochre.

6. Create Snow Shadows

Use a light blue wash to create subtle snow shadows on the ground, helping the owl stand out.

Leave some areas white for the brightest snow patches.

7. Final Touches

Darken the tree silhouettes if necessary for more contrast.

Add final feather details or enhance shadows as needed.

Tip: Avoid overworking the painting to preserve the loose, natural feel of watercolor.

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Journal Prompts for Reflection:

1. Stillness in Winter:

The owl is a symbol of quiet observation. Reflect on moments when you’ve found stillness in your life. How did that stillness help you gain perspective?

2. Nighttime Wisdom:

Owls are often associated with wisdom and the moon with intuition. Write about a time when your intuition led you to make a wise decision.

3. Light and Shadow:

In art, shadows bring out the light. Reflect on a challenge that revealed something beautiful or meaningful in your life.

4. Nature’s Symbols:

How does nature inspire your creativity? Think about how animals or natural elements reflect emotions or experiences in your life.

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I would love to see your owl! It’s all about the process with watercolor.

Thank you for being here and sharing your creative spirit with all of us.

XXX Char

PS: I seriously considered throwing this owl away and doing the whole thing over because I wasn’t satisfied with the final results. I felt I had overworked the face, losing some of the beautiful blends and splotches present in many of my watercolor paintings. After reflecting on this, I realized the painting and life lesson: To move forward despite imperfections, to remember to see the whole picture, not only the tiny details. Most of all, to accept the process with a dedication to try, remembering to love the journey.