On the lookout

Medium: Soft pastel and pastel pencils on paper
Dimensions: 70 x 50 cm (framed 82 x 62 cm)

This piece was inspired by the charming little owls (Athene noctua) often seen in the rural areas around Culemborg, the Netherlands. I captured three of them perched together on a branch, drawing from personal reference photos and field observations. The background was created with soft pastels to achieve a warm, atmospheric setting, while the owls themselves were rendered in fine detail with pastel pencils.

Special attention was given to the eyes and beaks, which include subtle layers of yellow, green, and blue to bring their curious expressions to life. The artwork took over a month of full-time work, spread over six months due to other creative commitments.