Owls have always been a favourite subject for Terry, which is hardly surprising as he kept a Tawny Owl in his house as a young child! At the time he didn't realise that this was probably the wrong thing to do, but it was the start of an interest from which many collectors of his work have benefitted!

The china plaque is a modern way of creating art. A high quality plaque is actually harder to make than a vase or box, as it is essential to keep an absolutely flat surface. Once painted the resulting image has a charming silky finish that does not need to be hidden behind glass.

Any painting of an animal or bird must have the eyes right. When Terry's Tawny Owl is hung on the wall you'll get the impression that you are being followed as you move around the room!

This is the first in a series of four owls, the next being the Barn Owl.

Terry has kindly supplied a photo of the preliminary sketch he did for this piece (at half size):