Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

Owls fascinate, and sometimes frighten, people, perhaps because most species are nocturnal. Burchfield’s fantasy owl seems to combine attributes of two species of owls. The Great Horned Owl, which can stand 25 inches tall and spread its wings up to 55 inches, is the largest of the American “eared” owls. It has prominent, widely spaced ear tufts that Burchfield exaggerated in scale to convey a sense of fear. Its color usually is dark brown and gray, but can vary to nearly white in Arctic territory. The Snowy Owl, which stands 24 inches tall with an identical 55-inch wingspan, was one of Burchfield’s favorites. Its rounded head lacks ear tufts. It is always white, but some varieties have dark spotting or barring for camouflage. It lives in open country in the northern United States and Canada.  Turn around to see Burchfield’s specimen in his studio. He often depicted the Snowy Owl as a symbol of peace in winter paradise.--Nancy Weekly 2007