Karen Kent doesn’t know what kind of owl species she’s painting, but she has an incredible gift for expressing their stunning beauty through color, line, and form, while often working in a playful twist.
So when she invited us to the opening for ‘Owls by Karen Kent’ showcasing her latest work on display at The Stand Vegan Café in Fairfield, Connecticut, we couldn’t wait to see her latest owls.
And to hear the stories behind her creative process, and the name of each piece of artwork.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of the name of a piece of artwork.
But with Karen’s art, the name, and the story behind it adds so much more vibrant detail to the piece.
Karen Kent’s Owl Art Series
We’re big fans of Karen’s owls and first was introduced to her work on display at the Greenwich Audubon (Greenwich, CT) in 2017.
And her exhibit at the H. Pelham Curtis Gallery at the New Canaan Library (New Canaan, CT).
We’ve profiled Karen’s majestic owl series on intoBirds.
And like in the past, Karen’s art is always a must -see.
She features two new owl paintings in her latest show.
Charlotte the Elegant Barred Owl
Charlotte, a beautiful depiction of a Barred Owl on a tree stump with a stunning metallic gold background.
Karen started this painting backward.
“I found a texture in a magazine and was excited by the feeling and then decided to paint the pattern in metallic gold. I love working with gold, silver and bronze paint,” she says.
The background is elegant, and Karen says she wanted the owl to feel graceful and sophisticated.
Owl’s Eyes are Striking
Karen finished the painting and says she had a hard time deciding on its eye color.
The owl she drew inspiration from has olive eyes, but Karen felt they needed to stand out.
“The eyes give this owl her personality,” she says.
Charlotte sat on the easel for a few weeks before Karen went back in and redid the eyes, making them a striking glowing orangey-yellow that stands out against the metallic gold background.
The results are this stunning Barred Owl named after Karen’s friend that is wise and very elegant.
READ: PASSION INSPIRES CONNECTICUT ARTIST TO PAINT INCREDIBLE OWL SERIES
Blue Wisdom the Strong and Graceful Snowy Owl
Blue Wisdom is a stunning Snowy Owl painting.
Yes, we love Snowy Owls and are a bit biased, but this painting is just incredible.
Strength and grace are what she felt the first time she saw this owl.
Karen paints her artwork based on her feelings.
And she knew this painted has to be huge.
“Something happens when I see an image, and I get all excited and cannot wait to paint,” she says.
Karen was fascinated by the wings and texture (barring) in this owl.
“The owl’s feathers are somewhat monochromatic, and then you have these amazing eyes,” she adds. “I don’t think the painting comes together until I put those eyes in.”
The Perfect Contrast
She tried several color eyes but wanted them to jump off the page. So, she chose orange.
Orange and Blue are a perfect contrast for this painting.
Blue represents depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, stability, faith, heaven, and intelligence.
And that’s why she named this work: Blue Wisdom.
Blue Wisdom is a spectacular painting and a magnificent tribute to our favorite arctic owls.
Owls by Karen Kent
To see more of Karen’s spectacular owls, read our previous feature – Connecticut Artists Soars to New Heights with Majestic Owl Series.
If you’re near Fairfield, Connecticut, stop in The Stand Vegan Café for a delicious meal and enjoy seeing Karen’s up close.
They’re guaranteed to make you smile and leave you in awe.
Karen’s exhibition, ‘Owls by Karen Kent’ is running through October 21, 2019, at The Stand Vegan Café located at 87 Mill Plain Road in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Now get out and see some birds!
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