My Barn Owl Painting Journey | Wildlife Art | Robert E Fuller #Video

Join artist Robert E. Fuller on a mesmerizing artistic journey as he captures the elegance of Willow, a female barn owl, on canvas. This video provides an in-depth look into Fuller's creative process, from the initial concept to the finishing touches, as he brings to life the beauty of a barn owl soaring over the Yorkshire fields. Each step of the painting reveals the meticulous attention to detail and the passion that goes into creating a stunning work of art.

Inspiration from Nature

Robert Fuller finds inspiration in the natural beauty of barn owls, particularly their graceful flight over the fields and valleys of the Yorkshire Wolds. This majestic sight has inspired many of his paintings, leading him to capture the essence of these magnificent birds on canvas. Quote from Robert Fuller: “Barn owls are extremely beautiful birds, and watching them fly over the fields and valleys of the Yorkshire Wolds is a beautiful sight, and they've inspired many of my paintings.” Fuller's deep appreciation for wildlife and nature is evident in his work, as he strives to convey the tranquility and allure of the natural world.

Starting the Painting

Fuller begins his painting with the sky, working quickly with acrylics to lay down the initial layers before they dry. Using water to blend the colors, he creates a soft, dynamic background that will set the stage for the barn owl. Quote from Robert Fuller: “I'm going to start off putting the sky down first, and this is done in acrylic, so I have to work really quickly before this dries.” He introduces various colors into the clouds, capturing the subtle hues and tones that give the sky depth and dimension. Quote from Robert Fuller: “It's amazing how many different colors there are in these clouds, and you're just trying to pick all those different colors up in a really subtle way.”

Creating the Foreground

With the sky in place, Fuller moves on to the foreground, sketching out the bushes and grasses that will frame the barn owl. Working from darks to lights, he establishes the foundation for the landscape, which will complement the subject of the painting. Quote from Robert Fuller: “So I'm just marking out the foreground, which is going to be bushes and some grasses in there.” The use of airbrushing helps to even out the clouds and create a cohesive background that enhances the overall composition.

Bringing Willow to Life

Willow, the female barn owl, is the centerpiece of the painting. Fuller begins by outlining her figure using colored pencils, then proceeds to block in the basic colors of her feathers and facial disc. Quote from Robert Fuller: “This painting is of Willow, a female barn owl I know well. I do the outline using colored pencils.” Fuller uses an airbrush to create soft, delicate feathers, carefully layering colors to achieve a realistic and vibrant appearance. Quote from Robert Fuller: “I'm just using the airbrush at the moment to give these feathers a really soft approach.” As the painting progresses, Fuller adds darker markings to the feathers, enhancing the owl's intricate details and bringing the painting closer to completion. Quote from Robert Fuller: “Once I'm happy with these wings, I'm going to start putting dark markings on these feathers, and it'll really start making a difference to the painting.”

Completing the Masterpiece

After months of dedicated work, Fuller reaches the final stages of the painting. He steps back to assess the composition, making small adjustments and adding highlights to the grasses to perfect the scene. Quote from Robert Fuller: “It's always hard to know when to stop painting, but I think this picture's complete now.” Satisfied with the results, Fuller frames the painting, showcasing the transformation from a blank canvas to a breathtaking depiction of Willow in her natural habitat. Quote from Robert Fuller: “I hope you've enjoyed this painting's journey from blank canvas to finished painting.” Robert Fuller's artistic journey demonstrates the dedication and skill required to capture the essence of wildlife on canvas. Through meticulous attention to detail and a deep connection to nature, Fuller brings Willow the barn owl to life, offering viewers a glimpse into the beauty of the natural world.