Ural owl

(oil on canvas, 18x24cm, wooden frame) - The Ural owl (Strix uralensis) is a quiet giant of northern forests, pale and watchful, with dark eyes that seem to hold the depth of old woods. Gliding soundlessly between towering trees, it rules its territory with patience rather than haste, hunting under moonlight and snowfall alike. We've met many times in the beech forest near my hometown and painting it was like painting an old friend's portrait.