Proposing LoveDrawing from NatureProposing Love

This charming and intimate watercolor captures a moment of quiet observation in nature, offering a glimpse into the artist’s sketchbook and process. Created by artist Brandon M. Hardin in the summer of 2014, this piece is part of his “Drawing from Nature” series.

A Live Nature Study

The artwork is a beautifully rendered study of an Eastern Screech Owl and a detailed depiction of one of its feathers. The piece is inscribed with details of its creation: “Screech Owl Study, Holliday Park Nature Center, 06/12/2014.” Holliday Park, one of Indianapolis’s oldest and most treasured parks, is home to a Nature Center known for its live animal exhibits and environmental education programs. This work was likely created from a live subject at the center, giving it a sense of immediacy and authenticity.

The Subject: The Eastern Screech Owl

The artist has skillfully captured the distinctive features of the Eastern Screech Owl, a small, nocturnal predator known for its exceptional camouflage. The painting showcases the owl’s intricate feather patterns, with mottled browns, grays, and whites that allow it to blend seamlessly with the bark of trees. The piercing green eyes, a focal point of the portrait, are rendered with a lifelike intensity. The accompanying feather study provides a closer look at the delicate and complex markings of this beautiful raptor.

Artistic Style and Presentation

The watercolor is executed with a fluid and expressive hand, capturing both the softness of the owl’s plumage and the intensity of its gaze. The warm, earthy tones of the owl are set against a subtle, neutral background, focusing the viewer’s attention on the subject. The handwritten annotations, including the title of the series, the artist’s signature, and the location of the study, are integral to the piece, giving it the intimate feel of a page torn from a naturalist’s journal.

This delightful work is perfect for a collector who appreciates wildlife art, the practice of drawing from nature, and the charm of an artist’s personal study. It is a testament to the beauty of the natural world and a celebration of the quiet moments of observation that fuel artistic creation.

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