Owls are curious creatures, and perhaps no one is more captivated by them than artist Jeannine Chappell. In 2011, Chappells 26-year-old son, Alex, was killed by a drunk driver. In her grief, Chappell saw the subjects of her paintings in a new light. Owls are often associated with death, but they also thrive in the darkthey can see paths others cant. Owls showed Chappell a way through her grief to a place of healing, like no other subject could. The resulting portraits embody introspection, strength, fierceness, and joy. For centuries, owls have swooped into our stories, from folklore to classic literature to modern film, but their presence is