Owls have been a favorite subject for artists for centuries. There is something captivating about an animal that can turn their head 270 degrees. It looks like they are turning their heads 360, but not quite. Anyway, you look at it (pun) they are pretty remarkable to checking out what is in their surroundings.

Of course, one of the striking features of an owl is their eyes. You cannot miss those penetrating eyes. Their eyeballs really aren’t eyeballs but tubular and completely fixed in their heads. Thus, the far neck turns for checking out what’s around them. Their eyes are binocular which allows them to fully focus on their prey. This boosts their depth perception to uncommon accuracy.

So, we could go on and on about the varied interesting facts about owls. But, how are they used in art? Do they have a particular symbol in artistic form? Symbolically owls have been linked with death, shape shifting and wisdom, all which allude to change. Owls are used a lot in Native American painting and there represent wisdom, intuition, magic and prophecy. Biblical references to owls deem them as unclean and abominable, probably because they are birds of prey and declared unfit to eat.

Often times you will see owls in reference to education and will see an owl reading. Because it is referenced as having wisdom, the owl is a symbol of learning and mental change, a chance to begin a fresh start or new phase in your life.

Owls too have been associated with witchery and goddess relationships. This is probably because of their keen sense of sight in the dark and their symbolism for impending bad luck. Owls fly silently and slower than other flight birds. This adds to their mystique.

Owls have been referenced in many ways throughout history with mythology, art, and literature. These birds have been around a long time and gained a reputation of being silent, mysterious and beautiful. You could be watched by an owl sitting silently in a tree and never know. They are curious and keen sighted.

Owls happen to be one of my favorite subjects to paint which I have on several occasions. They are suitable for realistic and illustrative drawings even for children’s books. Owls are fascinating and captivating creatures. Their appearance is so unique you can create a masterful piece and gain a wonderful experience by drawing or painting these interesting critters.