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Saw-whet Owl and Teasel This striking scene was based on a photograph taken by Denver Bryan, Bozeman, MT. A wildlife biologist by training, Denver is now an internationally published photographer http://www.denverbryan.com. I painted it with layers of transparent watercolor to build intensity of color and then over-painted it with white acrylic to create the snowflakes. A common weed, teasel is easily identified by its prickly stem and leaves. A small owl of all types of woodlands, the Northern Saw-whet Owl, Aegolius acadicus, has a large round light grey face with brown streaks, a dark bill, and yellow eyes. Its under parts are pale with dark streaks; the upper parts are brown with white spots. This owl is about the size of an average adult's clenched fist and weighs as much as an American Robin. The common name "saw-whet" comes from its unique call during breeding season. These little owls can be found roosting in winter in small, dense conifer trees, sometimes in parks and gardens, across North America. Its defense upon discovery is to sit still and not fly, leading people to perceive them as "tame." The original watercolor/acrylic, presented in a 2.5" wide gold and burl wood frame accented with a brass title plate (triple matted cream on yellow ochre on Indian red with an outer dimension of 32" x 25"), is available for $2,900.00. Limited edition prints and note cards are also available. Click here for availability and price.