I often paint with the natural world, wildlife and with people that I treasure in mind. A number of years ago, I came across a beautiful Barn Owl in Southern Tasmania, and that experience has stayed with me. For over an hour, I sat and looked at this beautiful and majestic creature, studying her in detail. Her eyes were magical pools of black, her feathers full, in colours of yellow ochre, rich browns and white.

She sat peacefully and calmly looked at me. It’s fair to say, I fell in love with Owls on that day, and I have had many experiences since, in particular with my local Sooty Owls. This series, focuses on Owls who live in the Eastern States of Australia, with one exception, “Igor” (The Eagle Owl). He caught my eye, with those ears, and I just couldn’t resist painting him too.