Screech Owl on Pine Branch
Original drawing on heavy watercolor-textured paper • Bill Neat (signed lower right)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Wildlife Realism / Natural History Illustration
Medium & Technique
Pen and ink with subtle colored pencil or light watercolor wash; utilizes cross-hatching, stippling, and fine line work for texture
Creation Period
1995 (as indicated by the date following the signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 inches (visible area); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A detailed depiction of a small owl (possibly a Saw-whet or Screech owl) perched within the hollow of a weathered tree stump. Overhanging pine needles frame the subject, with a minimalist landscape of rolling hills in the background. The composition emphasizes the owl's large, expressive eyes and the intricate pattern of its plumage.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paper appears bright with no significant foxing or stains, though the brown matting shows minor perimeter wear
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery or art fair specializing in regional wildlife art or through the artist directly; evidence suggests private collection history
Art Historical Significance
Representative of late 20th-century American wildlife illustrators who prioritize biological accuracy and delicate line work. While Neat is a regional artist, the work contributes to the tradition of naturalist art popularized by figures such as Audubon and more modernly by Robert Bateman.
Notable Features
Distinctive fluid signature with a copyright symbol and '1995'; high-quality stippling on the owl's face which creates a three-dimensional depth contrast against the flatter background
Condition Issues
Slight indentation on the mat board to the right; potential minor light-fading if previously displayed in direct sun, though colors remain visible
Conservation Recommendations
Replace the current acidic paper mat with an acid-free archival museum board; mount under UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the delicate ink and color