Owl Coloring Page (1 of 4)

The owl has been called the philosopher of the forest for as long as anyone can remember. In Japanese its name folds neatly into lucky readings - 'no hardship' and 'aging happily' among them - so it has long been kept close as a charm. The lines on this opening sheet are broad and uncrowded, an easy place to begin.

About the Owl

Owls are birds of the night, with large eyes that gather what little light there is and a quiet, specialized flight that lets them hunt almost in silence. They can turn their heads through a remarkable arc to make up for eyes that cannot move much in their sockets, and that steady, level stare is a big part of why people read them as thoughtful and wise.

In Japan the owl is treasured as much for its name as for the bird itself. Written one way it sounds like 'no hardship,' written another like 'growing old in good fortune,' so owl figures are kept as charms for safety and a long, easy life. Across many countries, too, the owl stands for wisdom and learning, which makes it a warm, familiar subject for everyone.

Benefits as a Coloring & Brain Training Activity

An owl is a rewarding sheet because of its feathers. Building up the soft, overlapping layers in gentle gradations of brown asks for a little focus and a steady hand, and that quiet repetition is the sort of gentle exercise many people find calming. The bold round face also makes the finished page striking enough to pin up and enjoy.