Robert Bateman (Prints)

In the Oak – Great Horned Owl (Print)

Artist's page

AP Only; Edition Size 500
15" x 24" / 38.10cm x 60.96cm
Unframed (US Dollar): $275.00

To purchase this, or any other work of art, please contact us by phone or email.

“Great horned owls have been a part of my psyche since I was a teenager. This is not
because of their rarity. In fact, they are one of the most widespread birds, found in
forests throughout north, central and south America, from the arctic tree line tp the
straits of Magellan. Depending on the area from which they come, they can have color
forms that vary from quite pale to quite dark. The reason for their role in my psyche
has to do with their ” gravitas” their presence seems powerful.

As a boy, I would direct my hikes to places where owls might be seen. To see any owl
seems to me to be an honor, bu the great horned is the most formidable of them all.
I would prowl through the darkest coniferous groves, which shelter and conceal owls
in the daytime. I would spend my time, not looking up in trees, but on the ground
for regurgitated pellets – usually mouse bones wrapped in a capsule of fur. If I found
any, it would be worthwhile to scrutinize the tree above for an owl-shaped shadow.
With luck, I would focus my binoculars on the dark blob and find the awesome
eyes looking at me. However, my best chance came with the help of crows. They
are great owl locators. As I approached, the owl (finding the harassing crows and
human presence just too much), would fly with hysterical crows in hot pursuit.
those few seconds, watching the owl’s big, silent wings disappearing through the
trees, would make my day.”