Enduring Love, my latest owl painting

Enduring Love by Katie P Garner, 18 x 18 acrylic on cradled wood.

Nearly a year ago a friend who shares my passion for owls sent me an Instagram post filled with stunning barn owl photos. One image, in particular, resonated with both of us. It featured two young owls gazing at each other against a warm, dark background. I just knew I had to paint these birds!

The photo was captured by British wildlife photographer Jake Brass. I initially attempted to contact him through various social media posts featuring the photo. After several attempts, I finally discovered his website, which allowed me to reach out directly and request permission to use his photo as a reference.

Jake, being the wonderful and talented person he is, gave me permission to use his work as a reference for a small fee. I immediately began working, but life has a way of interrupting even the best-laid plans, and I only recently completed the piece.

I made a few adjustments to their positioning to fit my surface. Slightly moving the left bird up and over significantly aided the composition of my piece. Additionally, I brightened the background to give the painting a warm glow.

Instead of aiming for a photorealistic depiction of the birds (Jake's photo achieves that beautifully already!), I opted for a more suggestive approach, incorporating bright colors to bring the piece to life. In quilting terms (yes, I do that too), we call it adding 'sparkle'.

I'm very proud of this painting. I'm not only thrilled with the result but also with the fact that I managed to finish it after leaving it untouched for months. Even better, I shared the outcome with Jake, and he seems pleased with it too!

I hope you enjoy it.

Katie