Owl - Step by Step Acrylic Painting on Canvas for Beginners

Let's do a little layering and glazing with acrylics to create depth and dramatic lighting for this beautiful owl painting!
Download your reference image here: bit.ly/2KR82w2
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Check out the affiliate links page on my website for a full list of materials I use and recommend. If you make a purchase through those links, I may get a little bit of a commission which helps me continue to provide free painting tutorials for you. Yay! bit.ly/2C8lK8I
I’m painting on a 12x16-in, black, Fredrix Red Label canvas. Get yours here: amzn.to/2BHcaY9
I used:
• 1/2-in flat brush
• 1/4-in angle brush
• #6 filbert
• Old, puffy brush (I used my #8 filbert, “Fuzzbert”)
• #2 round
• Chalk pencil amzn.to/2XTffy6
Get your Painting with Jane brushes at www.paintingwithjane.com/brushes
I’m using Liquitex acrylic paint in the following colors:
• Titanium White (Basics) amzn.to/2Hhc1hF
• Mars Black (Basics) amzn.to/2TdJU5C
• Payne’s Grey (Heavy Body) amzn.to/2DgUaou
• Yellow Oxide (Heavy Body) amzn.to/2W8adMc
• Burnt Sienna (Heavy Body) amzn.to/2Dffvyo
• Cadmium Yellow Medium (Heavy Body) amzn.to/2Xh6Raw
• Quinacridone Magenta (Heavy Body) amzn.to/2Dfgi2k
• Matte Fluid Medium (optional) amzn.to/2M6LPqA
But you can use any colors you like. Heavy Body paints not required. I'm just telling you what I used :)
Grab a set of my paint brushes, Art Monster swag, my original paintings, and sign up for my mailing list on my website at www.paintingwithjane.com or bit.ly/2esWni7
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Instagram here: bit.ly/2jnykTT
Notice: No part of this video may be reproduced or distributed without written permission from me. The painting demonstrated is owned by the artist and Pandemonium Art Gallery, and may not be reproduced except by individuals for the purpose of learning these techniques. This tutorial and painting presented are not available for commercial purposes and may not be duplicated to be used for classes or commercial sale without written permission from me.
The artwork contained in this video © 2019 by Jane Font All Rights Reserved
"Concentration" and “Ever Mindful” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@gwen7005]

My husband watched your Owl Tutorial while I was away. He said, you have got to try Jane’s owl. It’s awesome. As soon as I saw it, I was so intimidated (beginner). I shook my head, no way can I do that. He said, just watch her tutorial painting the owl. Yesterday, I turned your tutorial on, and started attempting to paint along with you. I’m halfway there. It’s not as good as yours, but I’m amazed at myself. It’s you, your lessons, the way you show the plate and how to mix the paint. The closeups. It’s beginner friendly with beautiful professional result. Thank you, Jane. ❤️ PS: We miss you, too.

[@artsabeach]

After watching another AMAZING tutorial by Jane & then seeing there's haters & TROLLS giving it the thumbs down, I wonder just how miserable they are, to have nothing better to do than to be hateful. Haters, pick up a paint brush & give it a try. You might be surprised at how much happier you feel!!

[@BandC69153]

Sherri what are people hating? I agree with you. There is nothing to hate!

[@artsabeach]

BandC69153 Exactly! I don’t know either.

[@PaintingwithJane]

lol! Thank you, friend ♥

[@Simplysu552]

Those 'people' are not worth the energy it takes to tap the keyboard in response!!!!😈

[@geniewalters606]

You are the female Bob Ross....so much kindness & encouragement 🖤

[@TheToddFather1969]

This is spectacular. It looked intimidating before I watched the video but I think I’ll give it a try.

[@jayelleart]

Hi, I just want to say I love the way you teach. I just watched the whole video and really enjoyed how encouraging you are. I’ve been struggling to get started (new to painting) and this really makes me want to try harder. Thank you! ♥️

[@PaintingwithJane]

I love to hear that, Janice! Not that you're struggling, but that I might be able to help you get past that!!! Just go for it, friend. You'll never regret you did, but you will probably regret it if you don't

[@jayelleart]

Thank you so much Jane. I looked through your videos and really like the woman with the red umbrella. I’m going to try that one this afternoon. It seems a bit easier. I’m going to practice with the pallet knives before I start. I’m excited. Thanks again! ♥️

[@irenesutherland7081]

Just love this painting. On my list to paint this soon. You are amazing and are the best teacher. I always watch your videos a couple of times before starting.

[@jahurston]

Oh my gosh! I have painted one - ONE - painting in a group "paint party" to celebrate my sister's birthday. My daughter-in-law was so impressed that she asked me to paint an animal - any animal - for her birthday. I chose to paint your owl, and I am SO glad I did. He came out beautifully. Mine's not exactly like your's, but it surely has a "wow" factor. I'm really proud of it, and can't wait to gift my daughter-in-law with it. I think she's going to be blown away. Thank you, Jane, for your instruction and encouragement. I'll be doing more of your paintings with you.

[@lornanunez9892]

Thanks for the sleep. Very therapeutic. watched it over and over each time I open my eyes. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@lcm1564]

I’m so happy I came across one of your paintings one day Jane, I’m hooked! I love the way you teach and your voice is so calming. I like how you in courage everyone, thank you for all the beauty you paint each day.

[@gonzalezfam5065]

I'm a beginner but I love to paint. I've tried painting by watching many other painting step by step videos of other artists but YOUR videos are always the ones that I enjoy the most and learn the most from but most importantly I finish the painting and don't give up half way like with other painting tutorials that I've tried. Basically what I'm saying is that I think your energy is beautiful and powerful and it's helped me soo much as a beginner, every painting I've completed so far are from ur tutorials and the feeling I get when I look at my finished product is indescribable joy and pride. So thank you so much for all ur time and effort and hard work u put into these videos that we get to benefit for free. 💕👍🎨🙏🙏💜

[@JohnArnoldPhotography]

Wow Jane - Stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JillyBean70]

omg freaking god....this is amazing...as a very beginner....mind blowing art....hats off to you !!

[@norazhao8507]

The most vivid and energetic owl ever👏👏👏Jane，you are magical. Always love your teaching. Thank you ❤️

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Nora!!

[@Babs9285]

I absolutely loved this one, I work in oils mostly, and some acrylics, your tutorials have helped me tremendously! Thank you!

[@lillianmullin4196]

Absolutely love watching your tortaol

[@sandralee8203]

I am absolutely enthralled watching you paint the owl, you are so informative. Thank you so much.

[@nanditaGH]

Irecreated many of your paintings and many I did not. But still watching this tutorials are just like meditation to me. It calms me down like magic. You are amazing Jane, love you so much.

[@feihuang6889]

You are great teacher. I love your paint.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much!!

[@lopezelba1]

I love your voice, it's as soothing and relaxing as the music you put in the background. I love this owl and even in its ugly stage I thought it was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. I can see how you put your heart and soul into all your paintings. ♥️❤️💕 Much love to you.

[@lillianmullin4196]

Absolutely love your videos, very helpful and informative.

[@pamartyhimaja6315]

Excellent. Awesome. No words

[@quirkyarts7384]

Thank you Jane for actually teaching someone like me, who is new to painting. You are extremely talented and taking you through every step, slowly is so inspiring. You are also constantly saying to be positive gives newbies the idea that we may, with loads of practice, actually be able to paint. Again a huge thank you for taking things slowly and in real time, it is so very much appreciated.

[@MrArmoon]

WOW....Just Awesome Jane

[@PaintingWithYovette]

OMG WOW! Jane this totally knocked my socks off!!! I have done 2 owls, love them both, and I love yours too! One of your best! Thanks Dear. 💖🎨🌹😍💕

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, friend!! ♥♥

[@SmollySmith82]

This is the second painting I have seen Jane do that I plan on attempting. The first actually turned out quite well and I believe it more due to Jane's patience in her methods than my minimal talent. I am planning on the owl next. Thank you Jane.

[@PaintingwithJane]

You're so sweet, Molly! Thank you. I hope you enjoy painting him. I know you'll do a great job! 💛

[@deborahkumar6027]

_”Haters gonna hate, painters gonna paint.” -Jane Font 2019_

[@PaintingwithJane]

Hahaha!! ♥♥

[@cristycreates2887]

LOL

[@artsabeach]

Yep!!

[@marycaciamasser3814]

Hate is such a waste of energy. It takes more energy to hate than to love, and hating is such an unnecessary burden.

[@BandC69153]

Thank you for the pep talk on self talk. This is my 3rd time watching your video and I need to hear your pep talk each time. “I can change anything I want”. You have helped me so much!

[@PaintingwithJane]

I'm so glad that was helpful for you! Thank you 💛

[@BandC69153]

When I paint something that you haven’t painted, I stop and think.... how would Jane do this. I try to hear you on my new painting.

[@deborahkumar6027]

*_A BIT MORE DRAMATIC_* Best part

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you

[@marycaciamasser3814]

I’m gonna watch this again bc I just loved this tutorial. Just loved everything about it watching it the sounds of the brush on the canvas your description of the process and especially your encouragement about how all paintings go through an ugly stage maybe for a long period but don’t get discouraged and stop painting. That happens often to me. Thank you for being such a great teacher and for supporting us.

[@fred1382]

I think you are an excellent teacher especially beings ima hard headed individual

[@lucybonal980]

I don't think that there was one "ugly" stage in this painting. I really loved how it looked with each layer of color. Even the first white layer, but, it just got better and better. Love it!

[@gretheboe3547]

Jane, that is just magnificent!!! Both the result - and as usual, the teaching. Thanks bunches, just what I needed when my nerve was almost gone and the brushes have beeen idle for almost a month. Dunno if I can do it - but I'm sure gonna try

[@KoriZunino]

This owl is amazing Jane! His eyes are mesmerizing 😊 So excited to paint this later!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Kori!!

[@chrissycanvasart]

FABULOUS Jane, I love doing animals, expecially HORSE'S, Beautiful 🦉💕😀🖌️

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, friend!

[@sharonthompson6293]

thank you ! The way you break it down makes it look so easy and achievable

[@Tina-yh1pu]

My favorite part about this painting is the eyes! I love it so much! Watched the entire video first sketching the owl and will start painting later today! eeeek I'm nervous

[@MeganZopf]

Another fun night Painting With Jane!!! I really enjoyed painting this owl. I'm real new to painting but your instructions with your video's make it all work for me. So peaceful to listen to. There are a lot of very talented artists out there but who wants to listen to obnoxious loud music while trying to learn. Your background music and soft voice makes my experience here perfect!!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, friend 💛 Your owl turned out so good!

[@alicja3890]

Well, I finished my owl today ! It's not that nice like yours but I'm so proud of my first serious painting 😱

[@CarolHeld]

Hello Jane. Great instructional painting. Many of my projects live in the "ugly stage" as I progress to " now that is what I am talking about stage" hahaha I will have to give this a try soon. I so enjoy your tutorials. I have an owl bracelet that I love but one of his eyes fell out. You just inspired me to find a stone for his eye and put it on as I give this painting a go. hahaha Thanks so much for your time and talent.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Carol!! I hope you do fix your bracelet! All owls deserve 2 eyes :)

[@CarolHeld]

@@PaintingwithJane That is funny. An owl blinking all the time doesn't seem right! hahaha

[@diab3158]

You are amazing..Thanks allat...watching you from iraq.

[@144wychwood]

That is freaking awesome!!!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much! 💛

[@J2ester]

His very gorgeous.

[@vivianemone5453]

merci Jane pour cette magnifique démo avec explications , j'ai essayé en même temps que vous et c'est très long mais le résultat en vaut la peine..Bravo et merci pour le partage

[@ssladybugz]

I've been working on this and I've really enjoyed it. Jane, I just want to tell you that I love your soothing style of teaching. Your tutorials are both informative and therapeutic. The advice you give not only applies to painting but to life as well. THANK YOU so much for what you do!!!

[@jyothiravishankar8354]

You rocked today....love to paint it.. excellent Jane.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Jyothi!!

[@sherrymacleod4143]

Hi @Painting with Jane Just wanted to say thank you so very much for teaching us this technique. I was painting an owl yesterday and did not like how the body was turning out. It looked too cartoony. Tried your technique on the head and WOW! What a difference! Now I have to fix the body! :)

[@debbiestrotz6917]

those eyes!!!!!!

[@janawallace378]

This is AWESOME, Jane.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Jana!!!

[@beverlyfrederick7670]

Loved this tutorial, your teaching and I love owls! Think you have given me the courage to try this one...thank you Jane!

[@lenasayer1420]

Aaaamazing ❤️❤️❤️ thank you Jane for your beautiful art & for sharing your talent xx Your just awesome 😍 🌻

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Lena

[@norakaven3705]

Great layering techniques Jane. Shanks for sharing your talent with us once again!

[@Chak9654]

WOW AMAZING

[@BandC69153]

I am super excited to try this owl. I think this will also help me with my dog and cat portraits. Thank you Jane

[@vickie6228]

How adorable. Love this.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Vickie!!

[@katherinedunsmoor2513]

Those eyes are awesome. You almost can't look away.. Thank you for sharing this

[@paulavetter4492]

Just tripped upon your channel today. Subscribing for sure! Your Owl is awesome. So much personality. But mostly I enjoyed your teaching. Your voice is soothing and your encouragement is heartening. Thank you!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Paula! That really means a lot to me. I hope to see you around :D

[@forgu1bl]

Thanks, Jane. I'm about to paint a series of owls for my husband and needed a good foundation. Love the glazing and the idea of setting the feather texture with the initial white! Your videos are really a great launch into my own projects.

[@CharmingColours]

Hey Jane a new fan, Just want to tell you that you are awesome...👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 You are a true inspiration for people like me, Keep inspiring and keep producing such great gems for us. God Bless. 💐💐💐

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much! ♥♥

[@sherryvanderpool4024]

Love the owl 🦉 calling him hootie

[@PaintingwithJane]

Hehehe! Thank you, Sherry

[@justindiamond8353]

Wow another great painting very nice Jane! Thx

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Justin!!

[@isabellezazou7356]

Magic ! Many thanks for your teaching video ! It's so wonderful to learn painting with you !

[@glendacrosbywilkins4246]

Wow,,,,...I'm blown away !!! Awesome !!!!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Glenda!!

[@juschmitt4815]

Very beautiful, thanks a lot; and thank you so much for your superkind way to walk us through it🤗

[@PaintingwithJane]

You're so welcome, Ju. Thank you so much

[@nelly1884]

Thank you very much. You're the best

[@patricia8889]

I Love all your video's Jane and the way you teach. Your paintings are always soooo amazing!. LOve the details on the feathers around the Eyes. Thank you Jane, looking forward to learning more.

[@dominiquesiegel629]

Oh! Jane, votre hibou est vraiment très beau avec ce regard très profond, merci pour ton partage hebdomadaire que je prends toujours avec autant de plaisir ...merci 😊😊

[@PaintingwithJane]

Merci beaucoup, Dominique!! ♥

[@rosierose8549]

I love the way you teach. I am beyond excited to try this.

[@ruchigandhi222]

This was one of the best tutorials I have ever seen. I usually never watch a video 2 hours long but this one kept me going. I painted with you and it was so relaxing and soothing. One thing that I learnt from you is that it is okay to make mistakes. You really showed how one should enjoy art without striving for perfection. My painting turned out great ❤️❤️

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Kruti! That really means a lot to me. I'm so glad your painting turned out!! 😍

[@karmakern7119]

This is going to be awesome Jane.

[@manalmusthafamoideen1378]

Super excited

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you!!

[@maxinemeredith8667]

Just finished this, awesome tutorial, love my finished painting. Thanks Jane!

[@cindyfoster4353]

Beautiful painting, great teacher!!! Thank you!

[@sylviedugas6081]

Thanks a lot Jane! I just finished painting the little owl and thanks to you, I did well! Thank you also for your patience, you give very good explanation :)

[@fraweggy]

Beautiful painting! I love the way you teach!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Carrie

[@Itadoriaesm]

Absolutely gorgeous ❤️

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Elena!!

[@marycaciamasser3814]

Jane typically yellow paints only over white. What do you think about painting a coat of white under the first layer of yellow on the eyes ? Btw, this is absolutely gorgeous and I just loved watching him come to life. I love listening to you paint. I love how you talk through your painting process. Your such a philosophical painter which makes you so unique. Thank you for being such a great teacher.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Mary! It really depends on what you're using. Heavy Body Cadmium Yellow easily paints over black. If you feel like your paint won't cover black, though, you can absolutely paint it white first! I knew my paint wouldn't have a problem with it, and I knew I was going to do a couple of layers, so it wasn't too much of an issue for me :)

[@aislinngraves4291]

gorgeous!

[@lorrainebirks2815]

Love it !! Thank you so much for this video , I love the way you teach , encouraging people to paint . I am certainly going to try this one . The depth in your paintings is amazing . Thank you xx

[@manuelaherr9027]

Dearest Jane! I am with you since I figured out, that there are acrylic painting lessons on KZbin where everyone can learn how to paint with acrylics and that was the time I really started learning how to paint! Before that, I just had fun with my paints and finished a lot of paintings with one single layer of paint on thick paper, cardboard or the thicker inside papers of a frame. That was all I did and had so much fun with it! I even was drawing my shapes without any worries if they are "perfect" or not and just had fun "painting". Today I call it coloring! :-) I really started painting with YOU! YOUR Channel was the first one I suscribed for and have never regret it! I never watched a Video from you, dearest Jane, where you sounded aggressive! Never! The opposite is the case! Your voice is so calming down and you talk in a pace,where I can follow and understand you, even though I am from Germany!!! I can explain Art things now much better in English than in German! If I talk to my fiance about my Art, he just sits there listening and tells me afterwords : I have no idea what you are talking about; I am understanding nothing about what you just told me! I am very happy that you have chosen a much more realistic looking tutorial this week! I still could not finish my memory painting of my two most beloved cats, that had to cross the rainbow bridge too early! I already asked you once, for a tutorial on cats eyes... I hoped you would make a tutorial like this owl about it, in a more realistic way... Maybe you have forgotten about it,because you have so much going on. You answered me back then, that this would be fun and that Mr. Moon would be the Modell for this painting! The eyes are driving me nuts! I already ruined his eyes already three times and since then this started painting is sitting around,collecting dust! That is frustrating me like crazy, because the thought behind this painting was to honor my two lost friends in a special way and how they gave me love every single day of their lifes! My lost female cat "Momo", even saved my own life once! I would be dead if she would not have been with me, that day! She is also my hero! Maybe you will think about it and decide that you will do a tutorial on how to paint realistic looking green cats eyes... Maybe... I would love and highly appreciate it,dearest Jane, I know that you can paint cats eyes for sure! Anyways, thank you for another great tutorial,dear Jane! I will always stay and stick with you and your KZbin channel! I never forget where I was coming from and in Art, it is YOU! Be blessed in all you do, dearest Jane! Lots of Love, from me, Manuela from Germany, to you my dearest Jane! Take good care of yourself and your loved ones and of course Mr. Moon,too!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much, Manuela! I do remember talking to you about your dear kitties ♥ I promise it is on my list to do someday. Thank you so much for your sweet message, friend ♥

[@zeejones4152]

Wonderful piece Jane - love it thanks for sharing your talent. 🤗

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you

[@khushboorai8007]

Hi Jane! Thank you so much for this video.. I have learnt so much from you during the process of painting this amazing owl🦉

[@cintbay2355]

Wow off the charts amazing!!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Aaaw, thank you, Carolyn!!

[@loriegolf1682]

Beautiful

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Lori!!

[@sheilaharvey1700]

Fabulous. I love all the colours you chose 😊😊👏🏻👏🏻💕

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Sheila!!

[@iladybug57]

Magnificent Jane! I’m definitely going to do this. I did one on a 6x6 but I Love the glazing, another Masterpiece 👌

[@kiddiehauler]

Thanks for the lesson. Love they way you teach.

[@urssysplace2622]

Hi Jane...so look forward to your artwork and truly appreciate your techniques. It is clear your teaching skills are unique to your personality, such soft and soothing videos. Thank you so much for your talented skills that you share. Please keep sharing all your knowledge and caring advice. A huge fan of yours, Ursula from Canada.

[@dj62198]

Love it Jane! I had saved the same picture to try, now I know how! Thanks!

[@annwalker255]

You make it look so easy...☺ love your work and the way you teach..☺

[@rodneyzurek4900]

Awesome explanation of the project!

[@inabareither9736]

This is a very cool little dude. I like him a lot! Good Job!!!

[@rachelr3113]

As always, amazing and easy to follow.. Thank you soooo much ❤

[@frederiquevandelle9880]

Magnifique. Merci beaucoup Jane

[@PaintingwithJane]

Merci beaucoup, Frédérique!!

[@wendybrindleystokes5050]

Wow 🥰

[@jeangutierrez5675]

C'est un régal bravo l'artiste 👍👏👏

[@glamgoth84]

YAY an owl!

[@PaintingwithJane]

🦉💛

[@katherinedunsmoor2513]

I love your videos. I have learned alot from them. You make it look so easy. I'm going to give this owl a go. I love owls Thank you.

[@winniemontes4801]

Love it!

[@cynthiasnow2888]

I love this image

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Cynthia

[@vickyshe8065]

If I had to pick an art teacher, I'd pick you! I watched hundreds of tutorials and took a few in person classes...none come close to how clearly you explain everything. Thank you! I look forward to getting some of the materials and then start painting this beauty. And thank you for not making any of those time-lapse videos.

[@elisabetbergstrom4653]

You are the best teacher !

[@50farrell]

Looks like the owl is reading a book. Thank you Jane.