I saw my first snowy owl during a heavy snowstorm in northwestern Montana.  It appeared briefly and then flew off, disappearing quickly in to the falling snow.  I've been intrigued with them ever since.  I have seen them on their rare trips south of the Arctic, perched on a fence post, a brilliant white in stark contrast to the brown, barren field behind them.

After completing this painting, I recently came across a snowy owl in a small aspen grove on the prairies of Saskatchewan in Canada.  Snowy owls vary a great deal in color and markings.  Some appear much whiter than others; some are solid white, while others are heavily spotted with dark markings.  While the snowy may occasionally be seen in more southern areas, its primary range is in the Arctic.

Those that have been fortunate enough to see a snowy owl can usually vividly recall their encounter with this distinguished white owl.  Many of those sighted will be in a setting like Winter Watch - out in the field, sitting quietly on an old post and silently keeping the field under a long, close watch.