Burrowing Owl

Burrowing OwlPopulation - fewer than 1000 pairs estimated in CanadaCharcoal on Paper 9"x12" • Prints available hereThe burrowing owl, distinguished by its very long legs and short tail, is one of the smallest owl species. It gets its name from nesting in burrows dug by animals such as ground squirrels, badgers and prairie dogs. Burrowing owls are also known as “Howdy Owls” because of their habit of bobbing up and down in a bowing motion, a behaviour that likely allows them to determine distance from multiple viewpoints. Young owls in the nest make a rattling sound similar to rattlesnakes to ward off predators.Burrowing owls were historically found in the grasslands of central and southwestern Canada, central and southern United States and Mexico, and South America. In Canada, the burrowing owl has virtually disappeared from Manitoba and British Columbia. Throughout their remaining range, they exist in greatly diminished numbers in isolated fragments. Fewer than 1,000 pairs are thought to exist in Canada.

I love Glazing with Acrylics

Glazing is by far my favourite technique. Glazing with any paints - Acrylics, Oils or Watercolours - is magical.  However, acrylics do allow for a slightly different approach with the technique as with some unique results - from the range of pigments and mediums available, to the permanency, control and speed (although even acrylics test my patience sometimes!) that produces extraordinary luminous layers.I will use any kind of Polymer Medium as I find there is little shift in viscosity from a specifically marketed 'Glazing Medium' to a 'Polymer Medium' (sometimes I add a little water if thinner is preferable). Using a medium instead of water only is important as it maintains the integrity of the paint, adhesion, and permanency between layers - all of which offers more control, from smoother brushstroke applications, to the forgiving 'wipe-off' of an area or a layer, as well as choice in the sheen and finish (I use gloss as it is best for highest chroma and clarity).One of my favourite acrylic mediums can be seen drying in the second step of this process image - Dry Media Ground/Pastel Ground - where I decided the trees would be drawn in with charcoal and soft pastel (consistent with much of my work). It's an invaluable medium when using acrylics when I wish to bring in dry media, and can apply it selectively.My colour palette for this piece consisted mostly of transparent pigments using Liquid/Fluid Acrylics: Quinacridone Violet, Quinacridone Magenta, Indian Yellow and Interference Violet, along with Paynes Grey (Opaque). The secret weapon for the suns glow is a base of 'Liquid Mirror' - an (Opaque) acrylic colour that looks and acts like platinum, so the results when glazing with transparent colours over top is much like painting on a mirror. I also dig using Semi-Opaque and Opaque colours as well, either using a lot of medium (I'm just mindful about the shift in colour as it dries) or as is to cover certain areas.Glazing always tickles my curiosity and wonder - as layers gently build up there are awe inspired moments when brushstrokes and shapes melt, colours shift and magic happens!

☆ Invasion ☆

1930s inspired sci-fi interpretation dedicated to my beloved cat Mordecai ... who every day reminds me in his miserable way that his kind came here, and are still waiting for their Mothership to return! This is the untold story and history of the legion Felis Catus, explorers of new galaxies in search of a primitive pre-warp civilization planet to conquer... who once upon a time found earth and quietly ruled as the dominant species for thousands of years.

Skype Art Tutoring

We all seek to nurture and connect to our own creative, yet elusive muse. There are so many ways to re-connect, and a burst of energy from an art coach can be one of the quickest ways out of a creative rut.Inspired by a love of creating custom and private art classes, Skype Art Tutoring offers the chance to work with an established Canadian artist and art teacher, in the comfort of your own home/studio. 

• Inspired ‘Art Salon’ conversation to raise your creative spirit and rekindle passion, joy and confidence.

• Move past your fears with support for your goals, plans and vision.

• ‘Show and tell’ works in progress - critiques, possibilities, direction.

• Technical advice and live demonstrations - all art materials including supports, tools and Mixed Media applications.

• Portfolio preparation assistance for College and University.

• Social media promotion - understand what is available to you and how it can be customized.

• Photoshop tutorials - ‘how to’ photograph, edit, crop, save and organize your artwork for various marketing prospects.

Book a *FREE Trial Today! *15min Skype meetingEmail Sharlena •sharlenawood@gmail.com

1. Email to set a date for Skype class.

2. Payment via Paypal for 2 hours minimum • Inaugural price special $60/hr •

3. Skype class

4. Receive a follow up email of class summary.

Satisfaction guaranteed! This gal believes in win-win’s  ★★★★★Sharlena WoodA vibrant artist and entrepreneur, best known for her versatility, material expertise and infectious enthusiasm. Her joy for sharing knowledge combined with her cheerful and up-beat attitude inspires fearless exploration and creation – the perfect recipe for building confidence, discovering unique gifts and ultimate creative potential.Website : www.SharlenaWood.comEMAIL : sharlenawood@gmail.com

Pregnancy Belly Art

Creating on the body of a beautiful Mother Goddess is absolute magic!

Aesop Fables ~ Fox & Crow

Curl Up and Stay Warm

The fox has many tricks. The hedgehog has but one. But that is the best of all. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Power of Love

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

~ Jimi Hendrix

Extinct in the Wild

Sadly, the South China Tiger is considered by scientists to be “functionally extinct,” as it has not been sighted in the wild for more than 25 years.  With perhaps only 100 existing in captivity, they are one of the world's 10 most endangered animals and the most endangered of the six surviving tiger subspecies, their fate primarily due to to habitat loss. Our legacy is one of economy, development and dominion above all, rather than one of respect and appreciation for the land we are apart of. But I believe a collective evolution and rise in consciousness is happening everywhere, and in greater numbers than most would like to admit. Take a look into this creature's eyes ... think about, what matters most? what do you truly want? where shall we all go from here?