ART
Art is the only way to keep sane. - Louise Bourgeois
WYNN NICHOLS
The Golden Owl
The Golden Owl brings together pen, watercolor, and gold leaf to portray the timeless elegance and mystique of the barn owl, with a focus on intricate detailing and ethereal accents.
The barn owl has always captivated me with its graceful beauty and sharp, knowing expression. “The Golden Owl” was an exciting opportunity to explore the intricate details of this majestic bird, combining my love for detailed pen work with the subtle hues of watercolor, and adding a final touch of elegance with gold leaf accents. I started the project with a simple pen sketch, focusing on capturing the natural textures and lines of the barn owl’s feathers.
I wanted to bring out not just the physical form but also the essence of the owl—its mysterious and wise demeanor. Pen and ink allowed me to emphasize the fine details and the textured layers of the feathers, giving the owl a tactile, almost touchable quality. Once I had the line work in place, I moved on to watercolor to bring the owl to life. I chose soft, muted colors that echoed the barn owl’s natural palette—gentle browns, creamy whites, and hints of gold.