“Benjamin Bee” Gansai and Ink

In this painting I embarked on a creative journey that aimed to capture the delicate beauty of nature. I wanted to use my stained glass technique to create an adorable bee with delicate, shimmering wings and eyes that make your heart melt. I think I have come up with just the thing. With each brushstroke, I sought to bring the bee to life. Shadows adorn its body, hinting at the sun’s warmth and glow. The glossy sheen of its wings reflects the floral world around it.

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1. The Bee and Its Radiance:

At the heart of this composition floats a delicate bumblebee, Benjamin. Its wings are adorned with special, luminous gem gansai watercolors. These luminous watercolors are a new addition to my repertoire of pigments and I’ve been able to integrate them into my nature scenes as if they should have always been there.
The wings of this bee seem to hum with life. As I painted, I envisioned it floating from flower to flower, a tireless and wandering pollinator.

2. Floral Whispers:

Around the bee, I intentionally include delicate floral patterns with monochrome variations of leaves and petals so as not to detract from the bee itself. I choose soft pastel hues—gentle pinks, lilacs, and pale greens—to evoke a sense of serenity.
Pink petals are inferred in the body of the painting except for one detailed pink flower that sits off to the side of the image. I wanted to give the understanding of where the bee was wandering. But I imagine that the viewer is not ready for him to leave yet. We are just getting to know him, with his sweet eyes and shimmering wings.

3. Technique and Layers:

My process tends to unfold quickly in the beginning. First, a pencil sketch maps out the bee’s form and the floral arrangement. Precision matters only with the main subject of the painting; the proportions have to be just right.
I chose the colors to complement the yellow and black bee; various hues of yellows and blacks to accentuate depth and shadows. I wanted to assume that the bee’s abdomen is curved realistically; like the viewer watches the bee as it hovers, midair to enjoy that vibrant pink flower that it is about to visit.
The wings are carefully painted to reflect the delicate greens of the foliage along with the pink flowers. I also wanted to reflect the yellow of the bee in the wings with a mix of pink and yellow iridescent paint that turns out to be a peach color. I then wash over an opalescent finish to ensure that the wings show vibrantly against the similar background.
The translucent pink petals emerge as I layer washes of color. The paper absorbs the pigments, creating a delicate translucency as I am able to display the soft veins of the prospective flower, making it irresistible to the bee.

4. Nature’s Rhythm:

As I paint, I feel connected to nature’s rhythm. The bee symbolizes more than its species; it embodies the delicate balance of ecosystems and the viewer’s personal connection to the bee’s journey. Pollination, life cycles, personal interconnectedness—all woven into its flight.
The paper becomes a stage where bee, human, and flora harmonize. The whisper of renewal, resilience, quiet magic of existence, and connection to the natural world.

In the end, my Gansai painting becomes a celebration—a hymn to the bee, the flowers, and the unseen threads that bind us all. 🎨🐝🌼

Note: This personal reflection is inspired by my actual Gansai painting, created with love and awe for the natural world.

If you are interested in a print of this painting please use the contact form below and we can work together on the perfect size and style of print that you wish. Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.