Owl Moon by Anni Morris

Lots of lovely texture in this appealing painting Anni. I have often used bits of dressmaking patterns to create textured backgrounds on which I have done life studies. I like the soft fluffiness of the owls' bodies - is that created withe the Indian rag paper?

Hello Julie, Yes I thought I would have a play around and texture this painting for a change. I rummaged around in my art cupboard at home and found some beautiful Indian rag paper, quite thick and used that for the owls and the tree branches. The old tissue dressmaking patterns were used for the background, much thinner and finer. I gessoed the paper before painting with acrylics and then finished off with a coat of water based varnish (non smelly). For the feathers it is good to use a dry brush which helps get the fluffy effect for their feathers. Best regards ~ Anni www.annimorris.com

I love bird paintings and this is lovely Anni. It's interesting to read how you achieved the textured finish. Did you collage the owls and trees onto the background? Very effective!

Hello Christine, Yes I cut out basic shapes for the birds and the branches/trunk of the tree and the moon. You can't really see in this photo but it does give them a slightly raised appearance and a sense of depth. I will have to play around more with collage techniques. Thank you ~ Anni www.annimorris.com

really lovely :-) i really think these could be a lovely illustrations for a children's book, i like the colours you have used and your style :-)

Thanks Rebecca, Owls and cats are some of my favourite subjects to paint and draw. I normally use very bright and vibrant colours so this was a far darker and restricted palette for me. Best regards ~ Anni www.annimorris.com

A very appealing painting. Beautifully put together :)

Hi Sarah, Thank you for taking the time to look and comment, much appreciated ~ Anni www.annimorris.com

Don't know if they're related, but we have Little Owls here - they look a lot like this, sitting in the hedgerow and, basically, glaring at us. Attractive painting.

Hi Robert, Thanks for looking. This is the best-known owl in New Zealand, the Southern Boobook or Morepork owl, made famous in the UK by fantasy author Terry Pratchett, who named a fictional city after it. This bird is named for its distinctive cry, is known locally as the Ruru, and occupies a key place in Maori folkore and tradition. New Zealand was once home to a well-known extinct owl species, the Laughing owl, named for its distinctive cry. This bird was widespread throughout the islands when European settlers arrived in the middle of the 19th century. It was wiped out by the time of the First World War with its demise caused by specimen collectors, habitat changes and non-native predators including cats and stoats. Best regards ~ Anni www.annimorris.com

lovely texture amazing efforts!!