Okay, time to start drawing again. I made this from a photo I took at an outdoor party in the Hamptons. The bird was very impressive and the intensity of his gaze stayed with me long after he was put back in his cage. Horned owls are amazing predators and have been known to pluck out unwitting birdwatchers’ eyes, even here in New York City.
For some reason, this drawing made me think of Brad Holland, an illustrator I’ve loved since I was a teen ager but haven’t referred to in years. I just went and looked at some of his work and, while I don’t think it actually does look like anything he’d do, I sort of see why it brought him to mind.
If you don’t know Holland’s work, check out this nice and too brief video about him:
I did this drawing with my Lamy Safari in one of the new Stillman & Birn hardcover books. I love the paper though there are some issues with the binding and they suggest we wait for the next shipment before using the hardbound ones.
Danny Gregory 
Very happy to see you again drawing. And with such a beauty of an owl! Great sketching.
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A very characterful drawing of an impressive creature, no doubt he had lots of admirers. Not heard of Brad, but look forward to checking out his work, many thanks for the link
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Love the owl!
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Yours looks way too nice to be an eye plucker, but I’ll be careful anyway! Love all your lines! I do believe I learn from studying what you do, and from linked folks info. Thanks for sharing. How’s Jack doing away from home? Having a ball I bet!
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He looks as if he could spot a mouse behind you while gazing through you.
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I can see why the drawing reminded you of Brad Holland. I too always loved his line work (as well as his paintings). That’s a really lovely drawing.
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I think you captured his personality and I believe he knew you were sketching him. Love the eyes of animals and wondering what they may be saying to us. I will take a peek at Holland’s work. Thanks.
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I love your sketches, you inspire me to be even more creative, & I’m glad to see you back!k
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Beautiful owl. and thanks for linking to Brad Holland’s work. I had never heard of him – he’s amazing exactly the kind of illustrations I love.
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Did you see this post on Sketching in Nature. There’s a link to an Eagle Owl video that’s amazing. Nice slow motion of wing movement and claw action. Beautiful sketch — we all look forward to your drawings.
http://naturesketchers.blogspot.com/2012/09/eagle-owl-video.html?spref=fb
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nice drawing 🙂
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Really nice varied marks. Wish I could learn to do that.
Danny, did you do away with the podcasts. I was going to re-listen and they are gone.
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Thank you very much, Danny. I was waiting for your drawings. I really love this drawing very, very much.
Regards.
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The Brad Holland video was very inspiring, thanks 😀
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Awesome that you were at Cindy Sherman’s house! Owls are so haunting.
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