Remember the U.S. Forest Service's "Hooty Owl" from the 70s/80s  whose motto was "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute"?  This cute little Barred Owl (also known as the Hoot Owl) lives in my back yard.  They live all across North America; do you have one in your back yard?  I love how they hoo hoo hoo hooooo; "who cooks for you?" 

This bird or prey is only one of few in the eastern U.S. owls that has brown eyes instead of yellow.  I thought his eyes were deep, warm, and intriguing.  Just looking at him, don't you just want to ruffle those cute little mottled feathers?

First I sketched him in lightly in pencil on watercolor paper.  Then I started with his eyes, building the brown color in layers of cadmium yellow mixed with ceruleum blue, burnt sienna and burnt umber.  Next the feathers got their layering from light to dark, leaving the white of the paper in some areas.  Finally I finished up with the background washes and the branch he was perched on.  I decided to keep the background interesting with light layers of cool blues, soft pinks, and pale greens, just enough to contrast the dark, mottled brown body of this cute little guy and help me convey the love and gentleness I felt in the soft pinks and baby blues.

My students and I have drawn many owls over the years.  I was inspired to paint this particular Barred Owl, however, because I am at my terminally ill mom's house right now helping to care for her, and she loves birds.  She has had a bird book in her house within an arm's reach in every house she's lived in.  When I was little, she could name every bird that flew into our feeder by sight and by sound.  I told her about this little guy and how he hoots every night in my back yard.  I painted him so she could see him and appreciate him, through my eyes of gratitude though she'll never see him.  Hope you enjoy him as well... I am grateful that you have stopped by to connect.  Please leave a comment if you "give a hoot!"