“The Owls” series began during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. The inability to socialize and having to isolate was a new concept for most people. For me, I availed of this opportunity to silence my mind and focus on things I never seemed to have time for before.

 

Winter became my favorite season during this period. I have always loved the stark, leaf-bare trees, and winter is when you get to see their true form, with their fanciful curves and knots. Every morning felt like a rebirth, coming from a heated home out into the cold freshness. This was evermore true during lockdown. Taking walks at dawn before most people were awake eased a lot of stress and allowed me some space to think and breathe freely. Those walks were also very beautiful; I alone bore witness to gorgeous sunrises over misty fields, heard the birds wake up and saw foxes run after an evening out.

 

In April, I began a whimsical painting for my dog, who had just been diagnosed with cancer. It would be a “Peaceable Kingdom” type of painting where he would be the star. I wanted to incorporate an owl, so I painted a sketch of one to be part of the animals surrounding my dog. From there, my series was born.

 

I became very connected with owls’ eyes. In hindsight, I suppose with so little human connection at the time, painting owls was an excellent replacement. I started the series without any plan, but I was very drawn to all the different types of owls found in North America. Once I had painted most of them, I painted a few European species as well. I thought 50 paintings would be a good end; however, it is still expanding.

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My paintings are on wood using acrylic paint with some spot varnish. I began turning my paintings into note cards, matted prints and other products as a way to preserve the original work and to share my images. ​

​Susan