The Great Horned Owl

In its woodland habitat, the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) can be difficult to spot since its plumage allows it to blend in with the branches and foliage. Not so on the Zentangle®-inspired reverse, where the owl’s feathered features and all-knowing gaze provide the framework for a highly artistic wildlife portrait that is anything but traditional.

Inspired by a popular creative process known as Zentangle®, the reverse design by Jori van der Linde presents a stylized, artistic take on the traditional image of a great horned owl. The bird of prey’s familiar features are unmistakable, especially its piercing gaze, hooked beak and the shape of its ear-like tufts; but its layered plumage is transformed by an elaborate mix of repetitive abstract patterns that are each more intricate than the next. Every pattern is painstakingly brought to life by a complex mix of precision engraving and sophisticated frosting, with varying thickness of lines, shaded elements, and relief that add a sense of layered depth and contrast to the overall arrangement. The reverse also features the engraved face value “30 DOLLARS”, the year “2018” and the word “CANADA”. The obverse replicates one of the patterns seen on the reverse, and features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

This coin is the second issue of the Zentangle(TM) Art collection. 

The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. "Zentangle" is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.

ZENTANGLE(TM) ART - THE GREAT HORNED OWL - 2018 CANADIAN COINS 02 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 02- FINE SILVER and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.