Moonlit Owl

Moonlit Owl is a study of the barn owl. It is a fascinating and well-loved bird and is central to this artwork, surrounded by foliage to give the owl a sense of place and safety in its environment.
This piece is the result of playing around with collagraph printing, using just black and gold inks, and centres on the shapes and patterns found on the owl’s plumage. These have been stylised to facilitate pattern making and are emphasised by using a limited colour palette. Symmetry was also a focus and has been achieved by the curved lines and mirroring of the trees’ foliage and branches, anchoring the owl in its position. A simple, white moon backdrop has been used, allowing the shapes, patterns and design features to project forwards to take centre stage. 
 
The artwork has been meticulously hand-made using layers of cut, pearlescent and plain coloured papers, forming a bas-relief on every surface. The pearlescent golds have a really attractive sheen and add sophistication to the piece. Black ink has been rubbed into the gold pearlescent card to create a different tonal quality and its subtle colour change compliments the other colours well. Black acrylic paint has been applied to details on the raised sections, to create a fully opaque and slightly textured surface to contrast with the pearlescent papers. Sections of this design have been layered and built up to different heights, using model making techniques.  This emphasises the various elements of the design, plays with the idea of light, depth and shadow, elevating a fairly flat design into a far more involved artwork.

Limited editions of 5

Handmade bas-relief paper cut art mounted onto acid-free 500gsm mounts

12" x 12" x 1" (30 x 30 x 3 cm) gallery quality black / white wooden frames from sustainably sourced UK forests 

UV-protective glass with hard-board backs, professional hanging system and authenticity labelling

Professionally packaged in sturdy recycled cardboard boxes 15" x 15" x 2" (38 x 38 x 5 cm)

UK Shipping 5 - 7 days / International Shipping 10 - 14 days