Since owls are mainly nocturnal, seeing them up close, the way I painted this one, is almost impossible. It is a challenge for me to paint what seems impossible to get in reality. Several times I've had the opportunity to hold a tame barred owl on my hand (with a glove!). When you're one to one with that animal, only one foot away from it wonderful eyes, the feeling you get is indescribable. I tried to depict that feeling in my painting. I wanted to concentrate on the face of the owl and leave the background simple. It may seem a little bizarre to paint an animal twice the natural size, but that's the impression one gets when being so close to it. - CB