06. Owlet
THE NOCTURNAL RAPTOR WITH DIURNAL HABITS
Owlet on its perch
ABOUT THESE BIRDS
Some curiosities about these birds
The little owl, whose scientific name is Athene noctua, has been considered since the ancient Greeks as a bird that represents intelligence. For this reason its name refers to the goddess Athena, Greek goddess of fertility, strategy, intelligence and war. Owlets have that yellow look, which lightens with age, reminding us that they are smart and lively birds. They feed on insects, especially grasshoppers and beetles, and are not averse to the odd mouse or mole. They have feathered talons and, like good nocturnal raptors, have a silent and discreet flight. Their plumage is very cryptic and they mimic the branches of olive trees and holm oaks where they nest in hollows in the trunks. They have regular roosts, where they can be seen scanning the horizon at sunset. Although they are nocturnal birds, they are diurnal and can be seen active in broad daylight. Little owls are suffering a lot from the poisoning of the countryside because they are intoxicated by the insects they eat. For this reason they are perfect bio-indicators and their presence assures us that we are in places of ecological quality. There is no difference between males and females. Younger specimens have yellower eyes and sometimes they have more clumsy movements in their hunts, which they perfect with age. They are very small in size, being one of the most humble and modest birds of prey.
HOW IT WAS MADE
Discover how this painting was made
The owlet was a work that was made outside the script. It was not originally planned in the design of the facade, but as it is my favourite bird, all the followers of my paintings were surprised when it did not appear among my works. So it is in a location other than the Bird House. The owl is a bird that has the appearance of a goblin, so its elaboration can give rise to a result far removed from an animal to become a comical figure. In addition, its colours, although very cryptic, are very difficult because they are pits of different sizes depending on their location. The aim was to create a bird that would look, that would have an expression of vigilance as they are shown in nature. It can be seen perched on a stump, which is its usual perch and from where it watches us as we pass along the street.
It was painted with acrylic paints, brushes and acrylic markers. It is protected with varnish to avoid deterioration in terms of its exposure to the outside and against acts of vandalism. It is a unique work on a wall, although it has been painted on canvas before. Although it has never been done in these dimensions.
ROUTE OF PAINTINGS
The Route of Paintings continues in Vélez-Blanco
This painting is located next to the facade of the House of the Birds, it is next to a window and its dimensions are 1,7 and 0,8m. You can see other works of art by following our street route in Vélez Blanco.
BOOKINGS
Book your exclusive stay at The House of the Birds
You will discover a different kind of rural accommodation, with all the comforts of a completely restored house but with a rural feel. With fireplace, wine cellar, games room, table football room, spacious lounge, comfortable bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and in the heart of a unique village with its beauty as is Vélez Blanco.
