I've worked on this sketchbook page using gouache and ink over multiple mornings during breakfast. I've been thinking of the inner wisdom we each have - when we listen to owl of it. (yes, the wordplay is intentional.)
In the afternoons I've worked on this gouache painting which I finished and titled “Night Owl". It too will become part of an upcoming one-person fine art exhibit later this year at the Caplan Art Designs Gallery. I write in my blog post (link here) about the multiple parts of my life that inspired my art “Night Owl”…
… one of those inspirations was my memories of going in the evenings to hear live local musicians play in a pub.
More currently here's some of the music that I listened to while painting “Night Owl”. Perhaps you'll notice the song title?
Several of you commented on my recent hippo sketchbook page, that I'd shared asking for a morning mug with the hippo on it… so here you go: a 15 oz We Need Joy Regularly mug!
Every one of my images in this post was created with ink and gouache. I use gouache a lot. Which possibly explains why several of you asked me to recommend a good book about painting with gouache - here's my favorite Rediscovering Gouache by Aljosha Blau. If you're just beginning with gouache it gets you started off well and still has “room to grow into". The artwork examples are lively and fun to look at even if you're not intending to paint. I interpret the “contemporary artist” part of the book subtitle to mean “you're alive in 2024 and if you shop for any of the materials mentioned you could probably find it” rather than any referral to art stylings. A Bookshop.org link for this title is here.
I hope owl of your week is pleasantly colorful.
How soothing is that tranquil owl of yours, with night hues and jazzy stylings. What a morning treat! (I say morning as a reference to my morning, not the clock's. 😏) I now have the song "All of Me" playing in my brain, together with memories of the 80s movie with Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin, lol. Here is Sarah Vaughan's 1957 rendition of "All of Me" that blows doors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22yx9BSiITQ
Also, regarding idioms having to do with birds, I read one I love: "It would be like bringing owls to Athens," meaning pointless, since Athens had owls roosting in the Parthenon and were featured on the silver coins minted there, the owl being symbolic of the goddess Athena.
Once again Sue shares her unique perspective with her exceptional, brilliant illustrations. Love , Love, LOVE your owls. (Has nothing to do with them being my spirit animal 😉.)
And, thank you for sharing your musical inspiration, love this piece 🥰. Just for fun, may I recommend Leo Kottke’s 12 string instrumental “Owls” . Uplifting, playful, soulful 💖. Look for it on the YouTubes.