Grey Owl (1 Viewer)

Tim kindly asked for more. Here's a world weary owl in an existential moment. Scratchboard, mixed media on a panel.

Bob - you've certainly got something really intersting going on with your approach to birdlife. Bravo! This is a welcome addition to the art forum.

It's superb. And what a serious looking bird!

Bob,
What great expression!

Thanks!

Thanks! Once the eyes are looking back at me, I let them dictate to rest of the painting. Best reagrds to all. - Bob

Owl - mixed media method...

bettyann said:

beautiful eyes.....i can understand what you mean about once you get them in...i like to do mine first, that way the bird comes to life much more quickly!....
you have some wonderful soft touches to your work.........
you mentioned it was mixed media? cp? ink? pastel? dont keep us in suspence..

Click to expand...

Bettyann - I began scratching into a Claybord scratchboard panel (Ampersand makes it) with standard tools. But this was too hard a look for soft eyes. Then I switched to airbrush acrylics. But this was too soft a look. Then I switched to hand brushed acrylics, out to the final highlights. You may ask how I could hand brush over airbrush without disturbing the airbrush tone. And the answer is that I use UV resistant photo-protective spray ( old brand no longer available, but any should do) between layers: this will protect the underlying airbrushing.

Your pencil work is extraordinary. Best regards. - Bob

ps: I often start in one medium, then switch over - once again letting mood dictate medium, just as eyes drive the work to completion. Here's another case - started by scratching in the eye surroundings of these birds, then went straight to airbrush/handbrush. Many roads to Rome/roam.