Tuesday, October 31, 2017

"Barn Owl, Southleigh Wood" by Olivia Clifton-Bligh

Image used with the permission of the artist. Check out more of Olivia Clifton-Bligh's work on her website.

The use of gold and this particular blue combined with the beautifully stylized treatment of the feathers gives this a magical and  otherworldly appearance, which seems particular appropriate for the Barn Owl. There are two families of owls, Tytonidae and Strigidae. The latter are more common owls, with a more familiar, cuddly cat-like appearance to their face. The Tytonidae, or Barn Owls, are characterized by their heart-shaped faces. While they are just as strikingly beautiful a creature, they are also more alien in their appearance (which is perhaps why the makers of the film The Labyrith chose a Barn Owl as the animal alter-ego of the Goblin King).

No comments:

Post a Comment