Well, it’s that time of year again! The annual Calgary Stampede is once again rolling into town and with that the Creative Arts and Crafts Competition in the Western Oasis. I’m very excited to announce that my piece Tyto Alba won 1st place in the Coloured Pencil, Pastel and Wax Crayon class and Second overall in the Framed Drawing section! I’m elated to have gotten this recognition and was very moved…to tears even.. as a few witnesses can attest to.

Last year was the first time I had ever submitted a coloured pencil work into a local juried competition or show. I was so thrilled when my piece afternoon feast placed 3rd in the Coloured Pencil and Pastel category. This year, I really wanted to challenge myself by doing a larger and more complex piece.

(Left) Me post cry-face with my drawing…(great lighting there for the art not so much for people taking shameless photos in front of their art)
(Right) “Tyto Alba” 11.5 x15.25 in Colored Pencil on Hot Press Watercolour Paper.

About the Piece
Barn owls are one of the most visually striking species of owls. Their haunting yet beautiful heart-shaped face and markings give them their commonly referred to ghostly appearance. With keen hearing and being almost soundless in flight, they are able to easily sneak up on unsuspecting prey.

They have often been seen as an omen of death within certain native tribes and various cultural mythologies. Despite their morbid reputation, they are particularly beneficial to farmers, as they tend to hunt creatures that feed on their crops. Unfortunately, their habitat and numbers are dwindling due to human urbanization. Barn owls can be found in Southern British Columbia within Western Canada.

If you are going to be in Calgary for the event, make sure you stop by the Western Oasis area located at the back the BMO centre’s Hall A. There are so many other phenomenal artists as well, so be sure to check everyone out. If that’s not enough for you, they also have air conditioning and wine 😉 The Calgary Stampede runs until July 17th.

To purchase the original piece please contact me privately at: barbsotiart@gmail.com

You can see my last year’s entries here:
Cornelius
Afternoon Feast

For more information on Creative Arts and Crafts Show:
http://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede
http://westernshowcase.com/creativeartsandcrafts.html