Bluey the Snail wasn’t your average gastropod. While his brethren munched on lettuce leaves contentedly, Bluey dreamt of daring feats. Tales of his ancestor, Shelldon the Fearless, who’d conquered the dreaded Spiky Thorn Bush, fueled his adventurous spirit. Bluey yearned for his own legend.
One dew-kissed morning, a hush fell over the garden. A shadow, vast and red, loomed over the lettuce patch. It was the Crimson Death Cap, a monstrous mushroom with white polka dots, rumored to be poisonous and foul-smelling. Fear gripped the snails, but Bluey felt a thrill course through his blue shell. This was his moment.
His antennae twitched with determination. He inched his way towards the behemoth, leaving a glistening trail of slime. The other gastropods watched in disbelief, their tiny hearts pounding in unison, some peaking out of their shell in shear fright of the towering mushroom. The Death Cap reeked like rotten eggs, making Bluey’s slime trail a welcome barrier to the awed onlookers.
Bluey reached the base of the mushroom’s stem, its billowing veil seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. The mushroom’s crimson pillar had large, bulging white orbs, like a monstrous eyes. It was slick and treacherous.
But Bluey persevered.
Inch by agonizing inch, Bluey climbed, his tiny blue shell a beacon of courage against the red beast.
The terrible climb was arduous and fraught with angry ants. He battled wind gusts that threatened to topple him, and hungry ladybugs who mistook him for a tasty treat.
Yet, Bluey persevered, fueled by the whispers of encouragement from his fellow snails.
Finally, Bluey reached the top. The cap of the Death Cap was surprisingly flat and devoid of any life. Realization dawned on Bluey. The Death Cap wasn’t evil, just a misunderstood giant. It was perhaps a leftover from a wetter season. It simply towered over the garden offering shade to weary travelers, misunderstood and feared. It’s red cap serenely catching the soft, golden backdrop of twilight.
News of Bluey’s ascent was shared throughout the land He wasn’t hailed as a conqueror like the mighty Shelldon the Fearless, but as a pioneer. He had shown bravery wasn’t about lack of cowardice, but about exploring the unknown. Bluey, the blue snail who conquered fear, became a legend of a different kind, a legend of curiosity and courage. From that day on, the Crimson Death Cap, though still a bit intimidating, wasn’t feared anymore. It was simply known as the majestic Amanita muscaria mushroom, its crimson cap adorned with a constellation of pearly white dots. And Bluey, the most adventurous snail in the garden, continued his quest for adventure, one slimy inch at a time. ~
“Brave Snail” is on display at The Lost River Artist’s Marketplace in Lost River, WV. Go visit Bluey and let him and all the other forest 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.
Last weekend was a fulfilling achievement for this artist! Not only did I receive the magical news of being juried into the Lost River Artists Marketplace in Lost City, WV, but this little painting found a new home in the blink of an eye!
“The Tourist” was born from a whimsical exploration of nature’s tiny wonders. In the painting, a miniature adventurer with an iridescent cerulean blue shell gazes upwards in curiosity.
Towering above is a majestic Amanita muscaria mushroom, its crimson cap adorned with a constellation of pearly white dots. Like watchful guardians, two smaller fly agarics stand beside the giant, their red caps catching the soft, golden backdrop of twilight.
But the true magic lies in the details. The sweet snail’s eyestalks stretch out curiously, taking in the splendor of the deep crimson spotted giant. Perhaps the mushroom whispers stories of faraway lands, hosts starlight in its gills or maybe the snail dreams of one day reaching its speckled peak.
Selling “The Tourist” amidst the vibrant energy of the Lost River marketplace was a surreal moment. I did not expect to sell a thing as I nervously dropped off my artwork at the front desk for the first time. Yet, as if confirmed by the magic of art – the ability to capture a moment of whimsy and share it with the world – I received an email on Monday announcing “The Tourist” had found a new home!
Being juried into the Marketplace felt like a blessing, and selling “The Tourist” the same day was the sweetest cherry on top. It was an occasion woven with wonder, and one I’ll cherish forever.
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.
The joy of a handwritten note transcends the digital age. It’s a tangible expression, a personal touch that lingers long after the email fades. And when that note is penned on a piece of exquisite art, the sentiment becomes truly extraordinary. Today, I’m thrilled to share a project that embodies this very essence: a series of custom notecards I created for a remarkable patron.
The special significance of these cards:
The original notecards were commissioned by Nature Enthusiast, Queen of Stream Restoration & Champion of Clean Water, Mindy Simmons. They feature both vibrant and shimmering Japanese Gansai watercolor pigments along with handmade watercolor appliqués, creating very special one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art. The back of each folded card has my name, website, and the title of each piece written in 4H graphite pencil, a technique to prevent forgery in the event I become the next Georgia O’Keeffe. (I say in-jest.. but who knows!)
The prints and printing process:
With Mindy’s permission, I offer prints of her original cards for sale! I use the website Zazzle because I like the high quality paper options that are eco friendly (Mindy will love this!) and printed in Reno, NV. While they cannot print the shimmering accents nor attach the 3d appliqués that Mindy’s original notecards posses, I believe that the deep, vibrant high quality inks that are used are top of the line. Plus, their customer service and return policy are the absolute best!
Each card is printed on Signature Felt White paper. It is just like the fine watercolor paper that I used to create the original commission: textured with an embossed woven finish. The special grain allows for the original watercolor texture to carry over to the printed cards. The velvety feel and brilliant white color creates an artsy backdrop for your special announcements and is preferred by fine watercolor artists across the globe.
Dimensions: 3.5″ L x 5″ H (portrait); 5″ L x 3.5″ H (landscape)
High quality, full-color, full-bleed printing on both sides.
16.6 pt thickness / 110 lb weight
Brilliant white finish with an embossed woven texture.
Eco-friendly; made using 100% wind powered electricity.
Made and printed in the USA
The back of each card is carefully finished with my name, my website and the title of the original piece. The minimalism on this side creates a space for a special note for a friend or a thoughtful reminder of the artist’s information. Purchase without envelopes for a keepsake to frame or gift.
If you love these cards but want to commission your own originals, contact me!
Introducing, Mindy’s Note Cards:
Mindy is Over the Moon Luna Moth:
I haven’t seen a Luna Moth since I was a child just over the mountain from Capon Bridge, WV. If I understand correctly, it takes a certain climate and habitat that have to be just right for them to survive and thrive. I tried to recreate that habitat at our mountain cabin, but I fear the wildfires will allay another attempt and letting the Luna Moth larvae grow in the leaves near my home.
Here’s how you can increase your chances of attracting them despite the setbacks:
Plant a Luna buffet: Sweetgum, birch, poplar, willow trees – these leafy delights are their favorites.
Shady sanctuary: Existing mature trees with a good canopy are perfect for adult Luna Moths.
Nighttime allure: Plant night-blooming flowers like moonflowers for a tasty moth treat.
Dim the lights: Luna Moths navigate by natural light, so minimize nighttime lighting around your cabin.
Toads are creatures that get a bad rap. These patient fellows will kindly wait for you to walk past them before carrying on their little way, without judgement or duress. We have a humongous toad that lives under our deck. He comes out at night and sits patiently as my toothless four-pound chihuahua pokes at him with her little foot goading him to move. The toad begrudgingly gives a slow hop every now and again, but it seems to be on his own terms. One can’t paint a patient toad without showing his disinterest to the entire world in his face, but what if this disinterested toad had a very lovely butterfly friend that happened to show all the personality that he would not. Put those two together and you’ve got endless smiles as one wonders who wins at the staring contest in this friendship.
The nuthatch was the first thing that Mindy mentioned when she asked me to paint her some notecards. She told me a few details about the funny creatures and I had a giggle because I had already observed them over a few years. A white breasted nuthatch was one of my first successful framed paintings! These little guys never fail to make me giggle.
A single bumble bee, its fuzzy black and yellow stripes a joyful melody against the vibrant purple canvas of a coneflower. This close-up view offers a whimsical peek into what I call “Mindy’s Garden,” a world where even the tiniest bloom receives her loving attention. It’s a tribute to Mindy’s nurturing spirit, a reminder that while flowers may come and go, her dedication to their care is a constant.
I love bluebirds. When Mindy allowed me to let my heart do what it pleased with these cards, I was in rapture. This pair seem to have found the perfect partner as they cuddle next to each other. Bluebirds haven’t just graced my easel for years, they’ve graced my life. Their captivating colors and endearingly sweet appearance are a constant source of inspiration. A nesting pair just outside my window allows for daily observation – a delightful dance of flitting wings and chirps as they tend to their home. The tables are often turned, though. As much as we enjoy watching them, these curious creatures seem equally fascinated by us, clinging to the window screen and peering in with an inquisitiveness that mirrors our own.
Countless stories exist in my mind about how these mice got into this predicament. Yet, the ending is clear, they all want to see that sunset, and the only way is to sit atop that mushroom that rises above the grass. Will chubby Pip be lifted up by his friends? How did the first two get up there in the first place? This sweet depiction of three mice, a mushroom, and a race against time ignites the imagination. One thing I’ve learned is that sunsets will fly by if you’re not ready to receive them.
Mindy’s four wrens is a sweet painting of four little wren eggs sitting in a little nest. They seem to be just waiting for their parents to come back and give them a little warmth. Wrens are another little bird with big personalities. I sometimes think that those little golf ball sized birds are the loudest in the forest. Particularly when they sit outside my open window at first light and chitter away like they own the place. It’s nice to see little wrens sit quietly for a moment, isn’t it?
Downy Woodpeckers share our feeder with local songbirds, mourning doves and chipmunks. They’re a beautiful asset to our birding community. Beyond their impressive clinging abilities, I love knowing these Downy Woodpeckers are beneficial to my backyard. They act like tiny tree doctors, drumming away at hidden insects that could harm my precious plants. It’s a win-win – a beautiful visitor enjoying a tasty treat, while keeping my trees healthy. Maybe I should put out a special “woodpecker feeder” next – a suet feeder mounted on a tree trunk, perhaps? Welcome to the neighborhood, little buddy!
Mindy mentioned that she loved my Indigo Bunting painting. She especially loved the way the vibrant sunset played off the bird’s blue plumage. Taking inspiration from her feedback, I wanted to recreate that sense of joyful contrast, but with a twist. This time, I envisioned the Indigo Bunting perched proudly on a branch, not in front of a fiery sunset, but bathed in the warm glow of butterfly weed blossoms. These native orange flowers, with their clusters of nectar-rich blooms, would attract the bird while adding a touch of local flair to the scene.
“Mindy and the Golden Nut… and that nut, and this nut.. and those nut over there and… Ah look! A nut!”
This little chipmunk named Mindy might be one of my favorite paintings of all time. Mindy is not only surrounded by acorns but her little cheeks are full of acorns, and her little arms are holding the glorious golden nut! What’s a Chipmunk like Mindy to do?
According to National Geographic Kids, a hardworking chipmunk can gather up to 165 acorns in a single day. This impressive number is thanks to their expandable cheek pouches that allow them to carry a surprising amount of food back to their nests. However, it’s important to note that chipmunks won’t necessarily eat all the acorns they collect. They may store some for later or even accidentally drop them while foraging so you can slip on them on your morning hikes through the forest… ehem…
I’m thrilled you enjoyed these little watercolor animals! I have to admit, it was a bit tough saying goodbye to them – each one has a special spark that brings a smile to my face. They’re filled with love, joy, and (of course!) some truly vibrant colors. I hope to write a little story about each one in the future!
If these miniature masterpieces caught your eye and you’d like some of your own, I’d be delighted to create some custom watercolor notecards for you! There are two ways to get started:
Leave a comment below. Let me know what kind of creatures or scenes you envision, and I can bring your ideas to life with a splash of watercolor.
Head over to my contact page: link to www.tobitokens.com/contact/ Here, you can fill out a quick form with your details and commission request.
And hey, if you happen to know me personally, feel free to give me a call directly!
I used watercolors to quickly paint this little peeper on a 5×7 watercolor card for a sweet friend who loves them. She loves so much that her husband made a pond just so she can hear them while she sleeps.
I popped it in the mail tucked inside a little plastic ziplock bag hoping that it wouldn’t rain on it and ruin her little surprise!
I hope she loves it! I know that my mother in law is in love with this little guy and wants to see him printed on tea towels, cups and backpacks.
Right now, he’s looking at you in a frame and wants to hang out in your office so you can imagine him peeping along with 50 more of his family members in the spring.
Thanks for checking him out!
If you are interested in a print of this painting, use the contact form below and we can work together on the perfect size and style of print that you wish.
If you are interested in more content visit my Patreon page.
Tobi Tokens 