Eye of the Beholder - Great Horned Owl by wildlife portrait artist Carl Brenders

Eye of the Beholder by Carl Brenders available from Prickly Pear Galleries.

 

The focus of this amazing piece is within the eye of an owl, fixed intently on something not revealed to the viewer. A celebration of texture, you will marvel at Brenders' ability to depict the most intricate plumage patterns. Note how the diagonal lines of the owl's 'ear' tufts and brow are echoed by the branches in this fascinating composition.

 

"In this painting, the bird is focused on something edible on the ground - mouse, insect, frog or lizard. For the composition it was important to put the eye right in the middle of the painting. One can feel the owl's brain work to prepare an attack.

 

"In the beginning off my career, I avoided painting owls. The feather design frightened and discouraged me. Now it has become a challenging discipline. The biggest part of this painting is feathers - a lot of work. But your eye goes straight to the owl's eye. What a shame after all that work!

 

"The yellow of my favourite lichens suits the colour of these feathers very well, as does the reddish brown in the juniper branches. Such elements always give you a kick." - Carl Brenders from his new book "Pride of Place" (2007).

 

Print released 2005.