The Illustrated Owl

A blog of my recent artwork. Intermediate level artist with love of traditional art. Common themes include fall, science, fantasy, and all things a little scary.

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The Harry Potter series was a childhood favorite of mine, both the books and movies. I was recently re-watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The Basilisk is an intriguing mythical beast, though I pictured him differently in my head when I read the books. Either way, the idea of a giant snake inspired me to draw my little witch facing a skeletal serpent.

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A family member of mine is in love with both Halloween and Japanese history. So for his birthday in September, I decided to combine his two passions into one illustration, making an undead samurai solider. The beetles were based loosely off Dermestids (used to clean skeletons for museums and such). The woman in the background is a Jorogumo; a Yokai capable of shapeshifting from a beautiful woman to an enormous spider.

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Each year, it is my pleasure to design a Christmas card for my grandmother. She is a wonderful woman who has always encouraged me to do my best and grow my talents. She’s fed and clothed me as a second mother and illustrating a card for her each year is only a small way to repay her. 

You are welcome to purchase the design she will be using on RedBubble :) 

Unfortunately, only my grandma gets it for free XD

https://www.redbubble.com/people/HannahGaytan96/explore?asc=u

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These two illustrations I was also commissioned to draw for a family member. They are from a book called “The Travelers’ Tales” written by Jared Acord. He sells these books on Amazon if you are interested. I wanted to go for a woodcut or linocut look for all the illustrations. 

The book is a collection of short stories featuring unnamed travelers in their journeys across different lands. Here is how Jared best describes his book:

“The serpent Pestilence. The monstrous creature Death. How do you fell a bear of living ice? A spectral voice tangled in the wind. A forest raised on blood. Every traveler has a tale to tell. Best described as a storybook for adults, The Travelers' Tales is a masterful blend of adventure and humanity. Enjoy the fables of eight travelers in distant lands, but beware, as you may find their tales strike too close to home.”

Hope it piques your interest!

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I drew this piece as a commission for a family member for their shop logo. He runs an Etsy shop known as “The Tweed Goat”, which was the inspiration for this unique piece. I tried to go for a woodcut/linocut style for the artwork and something old-fashioned. 

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I had actually just finished watching Demon Slayer: Mugen Train when I came up with the idea for this one. I love older trains as a setting for stories. This time my little witch is on a Halloween train, with skeletons, headless horsemen, werewolves and more!

Available on RedBubble!

https://www.redbubble.com/people/HannahGaytan96/shop?asc=u

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I was feeling some cozy vibes when I drew this one. The little witch is at a bed and breakfast staffed by what else? Cats!

Available on RedBubble :)

https://www.redbubble.com/people/HannahGaytan96/shop?asc=u

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For this one, I decided to give it a happier feel and less spooky. But definitely still perfect for fall! The little witch girl takes a ride on a giant bat above a cemetery

Available on RedBubble!

https://www.redbubble.com/people/HannahGaytan96/shop?asc=u

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The next in my series of little witch illustrations. This one takes place in a cemetery with a huge Jack-o’-lantern looming above. Look carefully at that angel’s face! I was reminded of Dr. Who as I drew this one, and might have spooked myself. 

Available on RedBubble :)

https://www.redbubble.com/people/HannahGaytan96/shop?asc=u

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I’ve been getting back into traditional art since around September. The result was a collection of fall illustrations centered around this little witch character. All my designs are available on RedBubble if you are interested! And thank you for your support!

https://www.redbubble.com/people/HannahGaytan96/shop?asc=u

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I’ve always had a fascination with drawing wolves, particularly those cool teeth. I was able to work this into my recent illustration, adding a silver werewolf chasing my little witch down a cliff.

Available on RedBubble :)

https://www.redbubble.com/people/HannahGaytan96/shop?asc=u

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Decided to draw this little witch on a country road. I’m still feeling the fall vibes as I’ve been on Thanksgiving break, and this was the result. Coloring in the dry grass for this one was very satisfying. 

Available on RedBubble!

https://www.redbubble.com/people/HannahGaytan96/shop?asc=u