Wisdom in Flight

I have always found owls enchanting and Cotnoir's "Wisdom in Flight" is no exception. The hooting bird's form swoops powerfully toward the viewer with both wings outstretched. If encountering this scene in nature, one would very likely immediately tense in fear, but in this painting, the captured moment comes across as majestic - a sublime reminder of the power and grace of these nocturnal birds of prey. Various abstract patterns decorate the owl's wings, body, and tail feathers. Painted in tones of umber and russet, they stand out from the patterns in the background of the composition. Behind the owl, one finds a multitude of wave-like forms in sky blue that mimic the movement of wind or intermittent, wispy clouds on an otherwise clear day. These are accompanied by sections with repeating eyes, a nod to the owl's symbolic links to wisdom, observant listening, intuition, and supernatural powers. Below the owl are graphic patterns in muted shades of purple, green, and garnet, adding further visual interest to the composition as a whole.