At the center of this painting sits a carefully woven nest cradling four bright blue eggs, perched securely in the fork of a tree. Surrounding the nest are layers of lush oak leaves, painted in vibrant shades of green with depth and variation. Two small black-and-white feathers rest delicately at the nest’s edge, a tender sign of the parent birds nearby.
I chose the wood thrush because its song adds a sense of spirituality and wonder to the quiet forest. They are elusive birds, and finding a nest feels like discovering a sacred moment. The number four holds no special symbolism here, but the evenness creates a sense of balance and synchronicity within the nest. To me, this piece feels clean and accurate — a simple, perfect emblem of the weekend wanderer who treasures these fleeting glimpses of wild beauty.
“4 Little Wood Thrushes Sitting in a Tree” is on display at The Lost River General Store. Stop in or give them a call to view or purchase it!
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
Check out my other paintings at www.tobitokens.com or find out a little more about me at About Tobi! Visit Disclosures to find out how I establish these short stories.
Visit my Social Media for more up-to-date happenings!
“Shattered Screech Owl” is a Gansai (Japanese Watercolor) painting featuring a Red Morph Eastern Screech Owl against a mottled forest green background resembling a stained glass window. Her eyes are bright yellow and assertive. Like this owl means business. And she does.
Deep within the ancient forest, where the trees whispered secrets to the wind, lived a red-morph eastern screech owl. She was known as Nyx, a creature of sharp wit and even sharper talons. Unlike the other owls, who preferred the quiet solitude of the night, Nyx patrolled her territory with a fierce determination, protecting the smaller creatures from harm. She was a force to be reckoned with, her piercing yellow eyes seeing through the darkness, her calls echoing through the trees like a warning. Her territory was her pride, a lush, vibrant green haven in the heart of the ancient woods.
One sultry summer evening, as the fireflies blinked their enchanting code in the velvet darkness, Nyx was startled by a flash of russet fur. A fox! She immediately took to the air, determined to protect the field mice she knew were foraging nearby. She swooped down, talons extended, ready to give chase.
But something was wrong. The fox wasn’t running. It was…glowing? Before Nyx could make sense of it and force her wings to change course, she collided with the fox and then slid through it. It was something hard and unyielding and then something that felt like water. She was released and then tumbled to the ground, disoriented and confused.
As her vision cleared, she realized she was inside a crumbling cathedral. The air inside was still and heavy, the silence broken only by the soft rustle of her feathers and click of her talons on the stone floor. She looked around, trying to understand what had happened. Then, she saw a stained-glass window depicting a dense forest, its leaves a calming shade of dusty green. And within the window next to it, the fox, surrounded by aqua green light! The very fox she had been chasing!
Drawn by an unseen force, a strange sense of recognition, she hopped closer to the window. As she touched the cool glass, a surge of magic coursed through her body. The world around her dissolved into a whirlwind of colors, and she felt herself transforming, becoming part of the stained glass.
When her vision cleared, she found herself perched within the dense stained-glass forest, her feathers now a mosaic of clay and Sienna, her bright yellow eyes still glowing with their characteristic intensity. And all around her, the vibrant green of the stained-glass leaves. She was no longer just Nyx, the protector of the forest; she was Nyx, the guardian of the cathedral wood.
The fox, in his own the window, looked at her with an expression of…knowing? “ Welcome.” the fox’s voice seemed to echo from within the glass.
Nyx, still slightly dazed, looked around at the other animals in the stained glass. She saw the frightened mouse she had tried to save, now nestled safely amongst the moss’s under a giant mushroom. She saw a fa deer in a nighttime glade, conversing with another owl. And on a cluster of bright red mushrooms, she saw a small colony of ladybugs, their tiny shells gleaming like jewels. They all seemed peaceful, even happy.
The fox continued, “I saw you out there, swooping and diving ever so vigilant. We…we need someone to protect us, someone strong, just in case people come. Will you stay, Nyx? Will you be our guardian?”
Nyx, her protective instincts still burning bright, looked at the creatures around her, all safe and happy. And she knew what she had to do.
“I will stay,” she said, her voice ringing with a newfound resolve. “I will be your guardian. Now WHO’s that owl over there?”
And so, Nyx embraced her new role, becoming a beacon of strength and hope within the cathedral, a guardian of the green, a protector of the nave.
This and more paintings from the “Shattered” series will be offered for sale summer 2025 along with. Prints will also be offered in the future.
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
Check out my other paintings at www.tobitokens.com or find out a little more about me at About Tobi! Visit Disclosures to find out how I establish these short stories.
Visit my Social Media for more up-to-date happenings!
Delilah, the clever deer with wide eyes and graceful stature, and Elvis, the minuscule and cheerful screech owl with feathers tufted to resemble the bark of a tree, shared a bond as unique as any found in the whispering pinewood forest. Their friendship, a mix of Delilah’s gentle wisdom and Elvis’s playful laughter, was a constant source of joy for them.
They lived in a secluded clearing within the whispering pinewood forest, a place where they spent their days crafting fantastical tales. Delilah, with her logical mind, would weave intricate plots, while Elvis, with his boundless imagination, would add whimsical details and cheerful characters. Together, they invented stories of mischievous fairies, playful flying squirrels, and friendly sprites, all creatures that loved the night.
However, the surrounding forest inhabitants didn’t understand their friendship or their stories. They found their tales offensive and weird, their bond an oddity. Raised eyebrows and hushed whispers followed them wherever they went. Delilah, with her patient nature, tried to explain their connection, but to no avail. Elvis, though cheerful, felt a pang of sadness at the constant disapproval.
One night, Delilah’s mother told her of a place that was accepting, a place where differences were celebrated. She had heard tales of an ancient cathedral, with its shimmering stained-glass windows. At once Delilah told Evlis and they dreamed of capturing their stories in glass, a window that would reflect the beauty of their enchanted realm. They had no idea what “stained-glass” was, but it sounded like it was made with magic.
With newfound hope, they journeyed deep into the forest and through the whispering pines and ancient oak trees. Through meadows and streams towards a long lost village that once heald a towerinng stone building. Tired and hungry, they eventually glimpsed the distant glow far away.. As they approached a clearing, the massive stone cathedral’s windows shimmered with an otherworldly light, beckoning them closer. They carefully stepped inside, their eyes wide with wonder, and found themselves surrounded by a spectrum of colors. They visited each stained-glass pane and saw that they held a scenes of joy and acceptance, with animals of all kinds living in harmony. Delilah felt a sense of peace, seeing the other creatures looking so happy and playful, each in their own vibrant pane of glass. Elvis, his heart filled with delight, let out a series of joyful trills and hoos.
As the setting sun painted the cathedral in hues of gold and rose, they found a window that mirrored their many of their own fairytales. It was a night scene, with a golden crescent moon hanging above a serene blue lake called Kimsey. A flowering dogwood tree, its blossoms crafted from fragments of golden colored glass, stood beside the lake. The window’s fractured blues, greens and golds shimmered with details that seemed to beckon them closer.
“It’s beautiful,” Delilah murmured, her eyes reflecting the vibrant colors. “A place where unique pieces come together to create something extraordinary.” “This window resembles our very own imaginations, Elvis!”
“Like it was meant to be!” Elvis chirped, his tufted feathers twitching with excitement.
They had come to the cathedral seeking refuge, seeking a place where their unusual friendship would be understood. They found a strange comfort in the cathedral’s accepting silence and the window made up just for them.
As they gazed at the dogwood window, a sense of belonging washed over them. They weren’t broken, they realized, but rather unique, their bond a rare and precious thing. The cathedral, with its mosaic of stories and its ancient beauty and magic… yes, magic!, had offered them a home where they could simply be themselves.
And so, stepping inside, Delilah and Elvis found their place, not in the shadows of judgment, but in the radiant light of the stained-glass windows.
Delilah and Elvis the Owl
Every night, their silhouettes appeared in the dogwood window with the shimmering blue lake and crescent moon. Delilah’s graceful form and Elvis’s cheerful feathers the unlikely friendship in a home in the heart of a cathedral deep in a forgotten ancient pinewood forest.
Every evening under their blooming dogwood tree, they would continue to weave stories of mischievous fairies, playful flying squirrels, friendly sprites and all creatures that loved the night.
Thanks so much for enjoying my painting and story! This beautiful painting is 8×10 and features shimmering Gansai watercolor pigments.
If you are interested in the original, please contact me for price and location if you’re local. If you are interested in a print of this painting please use the contact form below and we can work together to produce 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.
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of vibrant yellow and fiery orange. Elvis, the eastern screech owl, perched on a branch of an ancient oak, his blue feathers shimmering in the fading light. He wasn’t just any owl; he was a stained-glass owl, his form a mosaic of sapphire and azure, his eyes twin suns of molten gold.
He remembered the day he had stumbled upon the crumbling cathedral, deep within the whispering pines. Drawn by the kaleidoscope of colors spilling from its broken windows, he had ventured inside, only to be caught in a surge of magic. The glass had shattered, and he had been reborn, transformed into a living work of art.
Tonight, though, his heart was heavy. Delilah, his dearest friend, the wise deer with eyes like polished stone, had gone on a journey to the Crystal Caves, seeking a rare moonflower that bloomed only once a century. She had promised to return before the moon reached its zenith, but the hours were slipping by, and worry gnawed at Elvis’s glass heart.
He remembered their adventures together, soaring through moonlit skies, sharing secrets whispered on the wind. He missed her gentle presence, her calming wisdom. He gazed at the sunset, the colors mirroring the warmth he felt for her. “Come back, Delilah,” he trilled in his sing-song voice.
As the last sliver of sun disappeared, a flicker of movement caught his eye. A graceful figure emerged from the shadows, her coat shimmering like moonlight on water. It was Delilah. She carried a luminous moonflower tucked behind her ear, its petals glowing with an ethereal light.
“Elvis!” she called, her voice like the gentle rustling of leaves. “I’ve brought you a gift.”
Elvis swooped down to meet her, his heart overflowing with joy. He nuzzled his glass head against her soft fur. “You’re back,” he said, his voice filled with relief.
Delilah smiled. “The journey was long,” she said, “but I knew you’d be waiting for me.” He peered at the moonflower tucked safely by her soft, warm ear. “Its light reminds me of your eyes,” she said.
Elvis gazed at the moonflower, its petals reflecting the starlight. He knew that even though he was trapped in glass, he was free in his heart, as long as he had Delilah by his side. And as the moon rose high in the sky, casting its silvery glow upon the forest, Elvis knew that their adventures were far from over.
“Shattered Elvis at Wooded Sunset” is a Gansai (Japanese Watercolor) painting featuring a dark blue Eastern Screech Owl against a bright yellow background. His eyes are painted with shimmering light Kuretake lemon yellow pigments.
This and more paintings from the “Shattered” series will be offered for sale summer 2025 along with. Prints will also be offered in the future.
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
Check out my other paintings at www.tobitokens.com or find out a little more about me at About Tobi! Visit Disclosures to find out how I establish these short stories.
Visit my Social Media for more up-to-date happenings!
The story of the “Shattered Chicken” series began as an unexpected twist of creativity. I was preparing for a last-minute artist pop-up, frantically painting piece after piece, when I hit a creative wall. With no clear plan, I decided to simply let the brush guide me, layering colors and shapes until, almost by accident, the original blue-gray chicken emerged.
At first, I thought it was, well, ugly. But my husband saw something in it and encouraged me to include it in the pop-up. To my surprise, it was the first piece to sell! The buyer graciously allowed me to display it throughout the event, and it quickly became a crowd favorite, sparking conversations and turning heads.
That day, the “Shattered Chicken” found its wings. Inspired by its unexpected success, I received a few commission requests—with the promise that each piece would be unique. The result? “Shattered Orpington” (lime green) and Vibrant Shattered Bantam (bright red-orange), two vibrant, stained-glass-style chickens that now complete the trio. Each painting captures the lively energy and spirit of these birds in a way I never imagined when I first picked up the brush.
Check out my other paintings at www.tobitokens.com or find out a little more about me at About Tobi! Visit Disclosures to find out how I establish these short stories.
Visit my Social Media for more up-to-date happenings!
🌲✨ Greetings, dear friends of the enchanted forest! ✨🌲
I’m so sorry for my long silence! I’ve been lost in a delightful world of creativity and magic. And oh, what an adventure we had this summer! My husband’s unexpected bike crash added a dash of excitement to our days (don’t worry, he’s perfectly fine!). It certainly shook up our routine in the most unexpected ways, filling our summer with surprises and new rhythms. Life has been a whirlwind of wonder and unexpected joys!
The summer and fall months have been a whirlwind of paint and imagination as I prepared for various shows and attempts to keep The Lost River General Store brimming with my latest originals and prints.
Since October, I’ve been crafting a special collection of holiday ornaments, each one a tiny portal to a whimsical world. These delightful creations feature charming snowmen, fluttering monarch butterflies, lucky ladybugs 🐞, endearing bees and dramatic, whimsical trees. You’ll also find the mysterious Bigfoot, playful gnomes, and cuddly bears, all lovingly painted on wood slices and tiny canvases.
Lastly and certainly not least… I am thrilled to announce that I have been accepted by acclamation into the artisans market at The River House in Capon Bridge, WV! My first market will be on December 7th from 10 AM to 3 PM. I can’t wait to share my magical pieces with you in person and bring a touch of the Appalachian wonder to your holiday season.
Thank you for your patience with my long awaited art updates and continued support. I plan on returning to my winter routine of painting and posting my latest works.
Once upon a time, on a sunny little farm, there lived a small rooster named Rex. From the moment he hatched, everyone loved him. Rex was smaller than the other roosters, but what made him truly special was his crow. Instead of the usual “Cock-a-doodle-doo,” Rex crowed “Ricky-Ricky Roooo!”
Every morning, little Rex would hop up to the highest point on the barn and proudly crow, “Ricky-Ricky Roooo!” His cheerful call made all the animals dance and start their day with joy. The cows would moo happily, the sheep would bleat in delight, and even the grumpy old goat would give a happy little “bah!”. The farmer and his wife would jump out of bed, ready for the day.
Rex loved his home on the farm. He enjoyed playing with Bella the bunny, racing with Sammy the squirrel, and listening to stories from Elvis the wise old owl. Rex’s unique crow and short stature brought happiness to everyone, and he felt proud to be part of such a wonderful community.
One day, a traveling circus came to town and set up near the farm. The ringmaster heard about Rex’s special crow and came to visit. “Rex, would you like to join our circus and be our special announcer?” he asked. Rex thought about it for a moment. He was flattered by the offer, but he loved his home and his friends too much to leave. “Thank you, but I’m happy right here,” Rex replied with a cock of his head. “Ricky-Ricky Roooo!” The ringmaster offered, gold, jewels and fame. But Rex respectfully declined by announcing much louder than before… “Ricky-Ricky Roooo!”
Finally, the ringmaster understood and respected Rex’s decision. He thanked Rex and went on his way. Rex felt a warm glow of happiness, knowing he had made the right choice.
From then on, Rex continued to brighten everyone’s day with his unique crow. The farm was filled with laughter and joy, and Rex knew he was exactly where he belonged.
And so, Rex the little rooster with the unique crow lived happily ever after, right at home.
“Rex” is on display at Lost River Works in Wardensville, WV. Go see “Rex” and let him and all the other creatures in my collection adorn your home.
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
Check out my other paintings at www.tobitokens.com or find out a little more about me at About Tobi! Visit Disclosures to find out how I establish these short stories.
Visit my Social Media for more up-to-date happenings!
The Lost River Valley is a place of enchanting beauty
Captivating visitors with its serene landscapes and tranquil ambiance. As the morning sun rises over the valley, a sense of calm washes over everything in its path. The soft, golden light gently illuminates the mist that hovers above the river, creating a breathtaking spectacle that words can hardly capture.
The “Lost River Valley Morning” is a time when nature whispers its secrets to those willing to listen. The melody of chirping birds and rustling leaves fills the air, while the distant sound of the river provides a soothing soundtrack to the tranquility that envelops the valley.
Walking along the riverbanks, one can’t help but marvel at the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Wildlife begins to stir, going about their morning rituals as the valley comes to life. It’s a time for reflection, for reconnecting with the natural world, and for embracing the simple yet profound beauty of the “Lost River Valley Morning.”
Whether it’s a leisurely hike, a peaceful meditation by the water’s edge, or simply a moment of quiet observation, the morning in Lost River Valley offers a rare opportunity to witness the world awakening in all its splendor. Visitors are invited to embrace this time of renewal, to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the valley, and to carry its profound sense of peace with them as they journey onward.
Yet, when you happen to sleep with the windows open you can surely expect to be awoken by what is quite possibly the loudest songbird on Earth. The Carolina Wren, with its serenade of pure fury will be sure to jolt you out of your slumber. “You’re Welcome” rings out of its tiny mouth as it flits away.
I will always and forever paint a wren with its little mouth wide open. Our home is a joyful one when it stops by every evening for a blast of otherworldly chirping to close out the day. On the other hand, our little wren will give us a good jolt at first light. Who needs a rooster when you have a wren?
“Lost River Valley Morning” is a celebration of beautiful peaceful mornings and a tiny, feathered, neighbor who likes to make sure you’re awake to enjoy it. This painting contains beautiful, shimmering golden and opal pigments that represents the glorious sunlight that enriches this beautiful valley during the summer. The little cup, full of tea or coffee depicts a delightful landscape showing the morning sunrise in our Valley, complete with blue, rolling hills and the meandering Lost River hugging the flat, fertile land within. This beautiful painting is on display at Lost River Works in Wardensville, WV. Go sing along with the loudest songbird on Earth as he belts out his morning song and maybe take it home with you so you can enjoy the serene morning as well.
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
Jasper, a young cardinal, was known for his adventurous spirit. One crisp autumn day, his usual foraging grounds felt too familiar, so he ventured deeper into the unknown. The towering pines, once majestic, now loomed like silent giants, casting long, ominous shadows. The wind, once a playful whisper, now howled through the dense branches, disorienting him. Panic fluttered in Jasper’s chest. He was lost.
Days blurred into nights. Exhausted and famished, Jasper stumbled upon a clearing bathed in an ethereal glow. In its center stood a magnificent, crumbling cathedral. Its skeletal frame was adorned with vibrant stained glass windows, each depicting a scene from a forgotten fable. As Jasper fluttered closer, drawn by the warmth emanating from the window, a gust of wind swept him in.
He landed with a soft thud, not on the cold stone floor, but on a bed of fluffy clouds rendered in shimmering blue glass. He looked around, bewildered. He was inside the window, part of the scene it depicted! Below him, a valiant knight battled a fire-breathing dragon, their forms crafted from ruby red and emerald green glass.
Fear gave way to awe. Jasper hopped onto a branch, sculpted from amber glass, and cautiously explored his new world. He met other creatures trapped within the window, a wise old owl with eyes of golden glass, a mischievous squirrel crafted from amber, and a gentle deer with a coat of forest green glass. They welcomed him with stories of the cathedral’s forgotten glory and the magic that bound them to the glass.
Days turned into weeks. Jasper, though yearning for the freedom of the forest, found solace in his newfound companions and the beauty of their world. He learned about the stories they embodied, the lessons they taught, and the joy they brought to those who gazed upon the window. He realized that even in his confinement, he had a purpose, a story to share.
One day, a young boy, his eyes wide with wonder, stood before the window. He pointed at Jasper, his voice filled with excitement. “Look, Mama! A real cardinal!” In that moment, Jasper felt a warmth spread through the glass, a connection forged between him and the boy. He realized that even though he was trapped, he could still touch the world outside, his existence bringing a spark of wonder to another soul.
As the years passed, the cathedral crumbled further, yet the stained glass remained, a testament to the magic and stories it held. Jasper, the little cardinal who got lost, became a symbol of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of places, beauty and purpose can be found.
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
Tobi Dannemiller 