Snowy Nights
Snowy owls are only occasional visitors to our area, migrating down to northern states after a population boom in the Arctic. These magnificent birds seek out areas that resemble tundra, including coastal marshes, grasslands, airports, and open fields where they hunt for small rodents, waterfowl, and other birds. A recent winter storm that blanketed the world here in white made me think of owls hunting in the silent, cold dark. As the snow was falling, my husband and I went outside around 9:30pm. As we walked along the edge of woods and fields, I thought of small birds and other creatures sheltering in tree crevices and burrows and wood piles, and I imagined owls waiting patiently for any of them to stir.
All was silent and still as we headed back inside.
Tips and Techniques- I drew this owl as part of a demonstration for my recent class Back to the Drawing Board. After testing a variety of pencils and pens, some that I rarely use, it was fun to put a full range of pencils to work. I encourage you to do the same—play around with your art supplies and put them to the test. You just might find yourself with new favorites or seeking out your old standbys with new appreciation.
Drawn In 
It was a great presentation! I always learn something new.
Thanks Kat! I appreciate your feedback and I’m glad you found some good takeaways for your own artwork. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Last summer I was thrilled with an extended visit of a snowy owl in my Seattle Queen Anne neighborhood. The owl hung out on the roof 2 doors away. Lots of admirers visited and enjoyed. https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/a-majestic-snowy-owl-perches-high-enough-on-queen-anne-hill-to-look-down-on-its-admirers/
Thank you for sending this Michelle. The article is so cool. How fantastic to have one hanging around in your neighborhood!
Beautiful work, Jean, thank you for sharing the more developed drawing with us! I enjoyed your presentation very much, as always. And decided I will draw on a regular basis with a pen, as it forces me to develop better perspective skills. Thanks for inspiring us.
I hope you find that working with a pen is helpful to you. I have really liked it and learned a lot in the process. Glad you could be part of the class!
Your owl is beautiful and looks like it really is out on a snowy night. You are certainly right-on when the face is perfect the rest isn’t so important. Class was really fun. Looking forward to Jan. 23- Happy Holidays
As always, nice to see you on screen. I’ve been eagerly awaiting your grid page!
Right after the last class the wind came up and blew an old tree across some high voltage power lines down by the power plant – which took care of the power and lights for a couple of days. Following that we have had a stream of kids and grandkids up to visit, go to the beach and shop. Now is a break until Xmas and we start again. I am going to finish my owl and grid page that needs watercolor. Cheers
Really enjoyed the class. Thank you.
Thanks Sandi! I appreciate you taking part in the session.
Hi Jean, I was in your class yesterday with Winslow Art. It was so enlightening. Thank you for sharing all your talents with us. Happy Holidays!!!!
Thanks Pamela! Nice to hear from you and I’m glad to know you were in the class. I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday!
I enjoyed the class so much and I always learn new tips & techniques! Thank you for sharing!
You are very welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Jean for a great presentation yesterday. Have been sketching my “dormant” art supplies all day! What a great idea!
Sounds great Pat, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I had fun playing with mine too, and then I really put those pencils to the test with the owl. Have a great holiday!
I really love how you’ve added detail to this beautiful snowy owl! Thanks so much for sharing! Wishing you a snowy owl s season too!
Hi Jean, I’d hoped to make the class but it didn’t work out this time. I’m glad it went well and I really like the drawing – as well as your introduction. They’re striking birds to see and the one Michelle mentioned in Seattle was hugely popular. I didn’t get down there to see it but when I was in my 20s I saw one at Jones Beach SP on Long Island. Those golden eyes! That one stayed still on its sand dune perch, only turning its head, which was splashed with blood on one side of the neck. There must have been a story there!
Santa gave the wife your book, she loves it.
“The nature explorer’s Sketchbook .”
Sorry about the break. Merry Christmas from our house to yours. Granddaughter, Major, USAF gets a book also. We are on one side of the Chesapeak Bay, she on the other, much to sketch.
Thanks so much for reaching out to wish me well. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and the books were well received!