I had not painted for almost a year when I suddenly became inspired to do some art. (I placed another painting of three gobblers earlier on this site.) The painting, “the Resting Post-Barn Owl” came to be because I received a notice from the Pennsylvania Game Commission of a contest for a Barn Owl. At first I let it pass for I knew my skills are professional enough with many artists, but through some encouragement from a couple of friends I decided to work on a composition.
Early sketch idea
Since I have never knowingly seen a Barn Owl, I needed to study from photos. For myself I do not use photos only for colors and patterns. I will not copy another’s work and claim the idea was mine. That is a problem for me for seeing live or even mounts of the owl would have helped my planning. During the thought process I decided to allow the wing to hang down to indicate a relaxed and resting owl. With hindsight that decision may not had been the best for Imany may not understand the resting wing.
The above two sketches were refining of the original concept.
The slapping of paint began in earnest soon and the final painting above was completed and sent via email. Unfortunately, I failed to be selected but never expecting to place makes it earlier to accept my place in the art world.
Early stage of paint slapping.
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
Leave a comment