So, I see the topic for this week is 'spotted.' "Oh, great," say I, "I used up the perfect spotted topic with that dead cheetah last week." So, I'm thinking abstract ... maybe a super close-up of a leopard's spots. But I think on it throughout the day at work, and I think 'spotted owl.'
"Whoa," you say, "let's not get all Sierra Club again." Believe me, not my intention. I did an image search on Google and found this cool shot of a spotted owl by Jared Hobbs (on which this illustration is loosely based), and that was going to be that.
But then (and here's where I get into trouble), I look for a quote to go with the pic, and I find this:
"Read this Article if You Want to Hunt the Spotted Owl By Lance Winslow
"Recently I was in a coffee shop and I was discussing with a friend the abusive lawsuits and junk court filings of the spotted owl. He asked me if I knew what those spots were for?
"I told him know (sic), that I assumed it was like a Zebra or any other species which had such markings, it may have had some evolutionary reason for attracting a mate or possibly to blend into the scenery like camouflage to aid in hunting or to keep from being hunted. He said no silly. The real reason that those owls have spots is so you line up your rifle sights on them. They are like targets he explained.
"Well we both had a laugh, but then he said well we are going to have to kill them anyway. I asked why? He said they are very prone to be carriers of Bird Flu. Not sure if that is true but it kind of makes sense. Think on it."
Peace to all.
31 comments:
This is a great illustration! I love everything about it, especially how you did the background.
Ironically, my wife and I just had a discussion about hunting and how it is really unnecessary in today's society.
Although I believe that it is acceptable if you eat what you shoot, she made a point that you can really get everything in a store or restaurant.
Thanks for posting this and making people aware of these things.
I love that: "let's not get all Sierra Club again!" :) This is quite differnt from some of your other work, but just as engaging. I, too, like the background. (BTW my IF spotted piece is at my new blog, just for this week I suspect.)
I was heading in the spotted owl direction. But, I just wasn't happy with the results. My idea was going to show a group of spotted owls with each owl sporting a different spot. (Leopard, dalmation, cow, etc.). I definitely wouldn't have executed (wrong choice of words?!?) it as well. Great illustration as always.
8^)
P.S. Not to get too preachy also, I just read lou's comment. You could start a whole new discussion on the ethics and morals of the slaughtering of animals just so we humans can go get a quick burger.
I really, really :) love your drawing, as always. And your post, yet again.
Another choir member.
Every week I look forward to your illustrations. and again you do not disappoint. I love this owl and the background.
you can get all Sierra Club on me i don't mind. I love nature and critters and it saddens me when I hear of the abuse some people do to our land and animals.
another one of your choir members.
I wonder if Lance and his pal wear pokadot ties? Anyway, This beautiful owl and those haunting eyes, So fine your work!
I wish you would stop apologies. Last week you edited the Speed illo, I hated that, not because I like to see blood, hardly, especially when it's from such a beautiful creature and for such a senceless reason.
It's your work, you can do whatever you like, but that bothered me, still does. I like all styles, cute, lighthearted illos, love funny ones, and beautiful detailed works, but there has got to be a place on this blog for thought provoking and yes, sometimes hard to look at realities.
well if they all hunt like the VP does then the spotted owls got nothing to worry about they'll kill them selves off 1st. nice illo like the tone of ur colors
i love your spotted owl, he has a great face and i really enjoy when you get all up in their faces Mr. T, cuz somebody has to do it!!! Great work!
What a beautiful illustration and your post is really a-okay.
FANTASTIC illo!...and, nothing wrong with your post!! You will catch me every now and then on my own soapboxes! :) I truly love your technique...and, you are an inspiration to me!
Don't apologize....you do so well with these topics that just seem to come your way...and the little owl is so cute. I like that background too.
A great illo with fantastic colours and owl details. The sahdes of green on the background are fab. 3 days ago I saw a small owl here in Helsinki, I first heard the voice and then the flying owl, too. Have had the chance to see many owls live in the forest, they sure are great birds, and one bigger owl attacked our house cat in the 70's. Poor cat got a lot of nasty wounds, but got well in the end.
But the owls are certainly not that many anymore, that they should be hunted by people, so no need to defend the chickens by killing owls.
Wow!!!! That Owl is amazing!!!!
You really captured the owl as an animal at its best.
Annie
Wow!!!! That Owl is amazing!!!!
You really captured the owl as an animal at its best.
Annie
Ditto my comments on last post. It's not easy being confronted by approaches that don't make sense at times. You've got to remember and appreciate the people who care. Like you said in previous post, IF is a good online world for cool outlooks and concerns. And you're definitely one of them!! Great greens in illustration and sensitive feel to the owl.
I like the somewhat "loose" quality to this drawing. Nicely done!
Nice job again. Makes you wonder where this so-called bird-flu started in the first place. Last weeks (sorry I missed it) was again a good one and makes me laugh at how so many people buy into the idea of trying to "dominate" nature when we're very much a part of it as a blade of grass and sadly our intelligence has led us to develop into one of the weakest and most vulnerable species on the planet.
What a sad story. I kind of see a little fear in the owl's expression. Great illustration.
Hi Twisselman,
Nice art piece, per usual.
My wife's family lived in the Mendocino County, and derived their living from the lumber industry. I think there is no cut and dried answer if we are to live in a modern society. Is there a middle ground or compromise somewhere?
BTW, there are openings for the upcoming Operation Photo Rescue trip to New Orleans. Scheduled dates from May 1-5. Come if you can.
Great post. Love the owl.
love
I love the sketchy quality and the lighting as usual is perfect.
Great illo--love the eyes. I never did understand how a hunter could look something like that in the eyes and still shoot it. That being said, send me you addy so I can send a case of some crunchy granola and a tree-hugger t-shirt :)
Your owl is so beautifull done. It has soulfull eyes that look so deep and tranquil, and the colors make me feel like I'm lost in the forest. I am going to agree with all those who say you shouldn't apologize for making a statement about issues that are important to you. I also wish i had seen the cheetah with the blood, because that was your original illo and you must have had a reason for it. I am so revolted by people who hunt for sport... I am not comfotable with the whole concept of hunting for any reason, but I'm not going to pass judgment on that. The killing for fun...that's just barbaric and curel. Yikes...now I got started! Anyway - I do love your owl. It's beautiful:>
Fantastic owl - I love the lines and the eyes. All your illios have such wonderful lighting.
And your are so right - peace to all!!
Twiss, your owl is so beautiful. Your style lends to the wonderful softness. You can almost hear him take his breaths. Lovely!
Hmmmm, maybe I will print off some hunter types phots & have a bit of sharpie fun. 4 shame on them.
Peaceful smooch to U my friend,
The Tart
; )
How could anyone shoot something looking at him with THOSE eyes? This is a dazzler, T.
This owl is absolutely gorgeous!
god you crack me up. I love your commentary almost as much as your artwork.
I think you have been spotted by the Sierra Club´s new and effective topic delegator/multiplikator!
I like art that stands inside a social context or raises awareness. If I do it myself I kind of feel preachy, too, but as a reader or viewer it often clicks with me, especially as a counterweight to the complete "couldn´t care less" - attitude often expressed in current cynicism. You get it across gracefully: and without losing your humor.
Love the owl!
How could someone shoot something so cute anyway.
Lovely Illustration.
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