Mr. Barred Owl on Canvas

So, funny story.  My sister-in-law Steph sends me a picture of an owl via text last week and I'm like "Oh cool!" (She knows I'm a freak for owls.)  She then messages me, "Yeah, I was able to get a bunch before he flew away."  Wait, what?!  I thought the picture she sent me was from Google or something, it looked like a painting!  Ever since then, I've been obsessing over creating a barred owl art piece (which is the kind of owl she saw).  Owls are really rare to see where I live, especially in the day time. He was just chilllin' on the side of the road sitting on a post like "Hey, what up guys?  Did you get the picture yet?" Here is the barred owl I created to celebrate his sighting!

I used a few pages from old books and mod podged them into place.  I sketched out Mr. Owl with soft black charcoal painted with water and highlighted him with white charcoal, satin acrylic paint and Rustoleum Golden Oak wood stain.  To make the colors pop, I quickly spritzed it with gold glimmer mist and sealed it with Grumbacher brilliant gloss varnish.  I'm very happy with how it came out!!  I LOVE OWLS!! 

Artistic Materials! Hartford Whalers, representin'!

The livingroom is a little bit of a mess, but it's a HAPPY MESS! :)
Also, the fumes from the wood stain and varnish are pretty strong, but that fan in the background is doing its job!

Thanks for stopping by to check this out!!

~ Beth Lippmann 2.3.15