An Owl for A Change

December 2, 2016 by still a dreamer

northernhawkowl-jbalsam2 I found myself really looking at a stunning calendar photograph of this Northern Hawk Owl for the month of November. I am the recipient of a large number of calendars each year, some from organizations I support, and others that are cold mailings from like-minded organizations. I have several of them posted around my home, not to remind me of the date but to enjoy the beauty of nature and animals, changing every month.

As December approached, and a new bird would arrive, I started to play with the idea of doing a watercolor of this owl. She is clothed in multiple shades of browns with large white flecks on her dark wings and a cap that looks like it has been dusted with freshly fallen snow. But ahh .. there has been a bit of a drought in these parts in terms of my drawing, so rather than tackle something I haven’t done in ages, why not do something I really enjoy, simple black ink. And so I drew.

Perhaps most surprising as I hunched over my desk, was that Jazzy, who normally would be meowing up a storm demanding dinner at that precise time, was utterly quiet. It was as if she knew this was something even she hadn’t seen in a while, and best not to disturb a woman at her work.

We never know what will inspire us. I, myself, was surprised that this owl had been calling out to be drawn for days. What I do know, is that when we’re inspired, it’s good to listen.

Posted in Animals, Art, Creativity, Illustration, Inspiration, Nature, Reflections, Wildlife | Tagged art, calendars, Drawing, inspiration, nature, Northern Hawk Owl, owl, sketches | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on December 2, 2016 at 1:21 pm Toni Myers

My creative process works exactly the same as yours. Then when my creation is done I begin to explore more about whatever it was the lit that spark. In your case it’s this owl, find out about its strengths, it’s patterns, where does it live, it’s weaknesses and see how that message also fits into your life. The message of the owl, the wise owl is an exciting time. What is this owl tell you?

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- on December 2, 2016 at 2:12 pm still a dreamer
  
  Hey Toni! So glad you’re still out there and that you stopped by to comment. 🙂 For December I actually have an eagle and a hawk here to assist me, but I guess this owl has decided to join in, too. They’re all such powerful, magnificent creatures, how can I go wrong? I’ll check on the owl in my usual go-to book for such things, Ted Andrews’ Animal Speak. I hope you’re well. Jeanne
  
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on December 4, 2016 at 4:36 pm Andrea Stephenson

He’s beautiful – that flow of creativity is a wonderful thing and often results in great work.

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- on December 5, 2016 at 9:31 am still a dreamer
  
  Thank you Andrea. And I miss that flow. Easier to find with writing; more challenging with my artwork. I can be so clever at sidestepping it. (Not one of my stellar traits.)
  
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on December 27, 2016 at 4:38 pm Lavinia Ross

That is a beautiful owl drawing! Keep the creativity flowing!

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- on December 28, 2016 at 9:40 am still a dreamer
  
  Thanks, Lavinia. Now that the intensity of my holiday workload is lightening up a bit, I plan to do just that!
  
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on January 19, 2017 at 12:37 pm Cynthia Reyes

What a gorgeous, skilfully created painting.

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- on January 19, 2017 at 6:06 pm still a dreamer
  
  Thanks, Cynthia. I need to settle down and draw more often.
  
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on February 21, 2017 at 12:44 pm Gina Profess and Affirm

Great post Jeanne, and a great reminder to be open to inspiration from anywhere. This drawing turned out amazing. I love all your artwork! Keep it up, and let Jazzy support you with her silence. 🙂 xo Gina

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- on February 21, 2017 at 1:45 pm still a dreamer
  
  Thanks, Gina. I’m glad you enjoy my artwork – comments always appreciated. We never do know where sources of inspiration will strike; we just have to be open. A silent Jazzy – pretty much an oxymoron! 😀
  
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