A close-up portrait of an owl, with that striking orange eye and plumage built up from very gradual colour changes. The design is full of shading and in places two different colours are combined in the needle to create soft transitions.
It is worked in counted cross stitch on evenweave fabric, usually over two threads; the large-square chart with clear symbols makes the detailed areas easier to follow. A hoop or frame and good light are well worth having. The frame is not included: the finished piece can be framed as shown in the photo, or mounted on a board.