In the painting “Patient Observer,” an American barn owl has been captured gracefully stretching out its wing, revealing a fan of gray, white, and brown feathers that could almost disappear into the stone barn wall. The owl gazes out of the painting as if something has caught its attention, making us wonder if we are observing the owl, or if the owl is observing us.

.“Patient Observer,” 2018, by Camille Engel. Oil on panel; 30 inches by 30 inches. Engel's painting was featured in the 14th International Virtual ARC Salon Exhibition (2019–2020). Courtesy of the Art Renewal Center