Missed Opportunity

Original 24" x 32"

My sister and her husband live on a beautiful piece of property in northern Pennsylvania with a pond, woods and an open field. I love visiting there and every time I do, I’m able to observe many different species of birds. They were probably surprised when I was drawn to this pile of old railroad ties and rocks that my sister kept after her husband to clean up. I was excited by the light and dark patterns in this pile and the surrounding field. I immediately thought of a barred owl for this scene because it’s light and dark patterns seemed to echo the existing patterns in the landscape. The rocks and ties provide perfect cover for a mouse escaping its predator, and a perfect platform for an owl that just missed an opportunity.