Still Silence

Oil on Birchwood Panel | 24″ x 18″

As I write this Barn Owls are really having a moment. They’re my bestselling subject in 2025, both prints and originals. I can’t explain it, but in all honesty I’m just happy to see them being so appreciated.

The definition of Still Silence is “a profound absence of sound often implying a quietness and calm”. I can’t think of a better description of a Barn Owl, perching for hours watching for any signs of movements in the long grass. Swooping soundlessly across the meadow, a ghostly spectre in the darkest hours.

I began with the fence post, picking up the texture in the moonlight. Moving on to the feet, and especially the talons glinting against the dark sky. The large structural wing feathers up to the softer, downier feathers around the head, adding the signature speckled markings as I go. Finally, the intricate, lacy white feathers layered over the heart shaped face, surround inky black eyes. An area I must be careful not to over work, and risk losing any of the depth I’ve built up. The light falls over the left side of the face, picking up the highlight in the eyes. If you look closely enough you might even see a tree on the horizon…

Painted from reference photography by Simon Litten

To create this painting, I’ve used my signature tool – a sword liner brush (typically reserved for watercolours), and a fan brush to build up the depth on the feathers. Applying the layers of colour and texture using the wet-on-wet technique. Not waiting for the layers to dry but pulling my brush through them while they’re still wet, creating clean, fine lines. Painting small sections at a time, finishing each to completion before moving on to the next.

Painted on a Birch wood panel, and finished with a protective layer of gloss varnish. Framed in an exclusive hand-built moulding, with gold inlay. Designed to accentuate without detracting or distracting.

All materials used are vegan and cruelty-free.