Culture

3D owl & photo: First Friday Art

My son recently printed this 3D owl with his brand new Anycubic Kobra Max 3D printer. The owl stands about 3.5 inches tall.

I decided to try painting it since I’ve never painted a 3D sculpture before. First I sanded it and painted it with a white base coat.

Then I began painting the owl with acrylic paint. I usually draw and paint freeform so it was a little different to try to work within the raised lines of the sculpture.

I attempted to use some of the markings you’d see on a real Great Horned Owl. This 3D pattern included a little flower on top of the owl’s head and I painted it yellow.

Here’s a view of the back. I used my tiniest paintbrush and painted fine, wavy lines. Since the back didn’t have any raised parts, I added a few lines to indicate the tail feathers.

After feeling a little awkward at first with my painting technique, I was happy with how my little 3D owl turned out.

For reference, here’s a photo of a Great Horned Owl and one of its owlets at Summer Lake Wildlife Area in southern Oregon.

It was exciting to see this owlet and another one at the nest. The adult kept a watchful eye nearby.

Do you have artwork you would like to share? Be sure to include the First Friday Art tag.

First Friday Art (FFA)

3D Printing

SoyBend

Centered in Bend, Oregon, my blog branches out into nature, history, and art-related topics.

View Comments

Recent Posts

An apple in flight: Wordless Wednesday

An apple in flight at Balloons Over Bend in 2025 Wordless Wednesday Bend Branches always…

2 days ago

High Desert Voices July 2026 newsletter

Here’s the High Desert Voices July 2026 newsletter for your reading pleasure. Lots of nice photos…

3 days ago

Glass Buttes obsidian again: LAPC

A few weeks ago, we drove about an hour east of our home in Bend…

5 days ago

Dawn’s early light: Skywatch Friday

Dawn's early light over Winter Ridge, Oregon Skywatch Friday Bend Branches always appreciates your comments…

7 days ago

Beneath the waves: Wordless Wednesday

Beneath the waves at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon Wordless Wednesday Bend Branches always…

1 week ago

Let it Be mural: MM & TFH

This beautiful "Let it Be" mural is at Worthy Brewing in Bend, Oregon. Native columbines…

2 weeks ago