Where sunlight struggles to pierce the tangled undergrowth of a long forgotten forest lived, Cinderella. A chipmunk who adored wild violets. One day, as she was contemplating why she would be named after a woman who lost a shoe, Cinderella encountered a rare treasure. A sparkle caught her eye and she briefly wondered if it was that glass slipper that she was just thinking about. There in a meadow, among her favorite patch of purple violets, stood a bunch that glimmered with iridescent white and purple. Overwhelmed by their strange beauty, Cinderella carefully gathered the special violets, by their roots and brought them back to her burrow.
Determined to preserve and cultivate these extraordinary violets, Cinderella lovingly cared for them over many seasons. She dedicated herself to ensuring that the rare violets continued to thrive and nurtured them with the same tenderness and devotion she had shown for all the violets she adored. As time passed, Cinderella’s efforts paid off, and the shimmering white and purple violets flourished under her care, as she spread their beauty throughout the meadows nearby her home.
As Cinderella aged, she realized the importance of passing on her knowledge and love for the violets to the next generation. She began to teach her grand-chipmunks the art of cultivating and appreciating the unique violets. It was a joy for Cinderella to see her grand-chipmunks eagerly embracing the legacy she had created, learning to care for the violets with the same reverence and enthusiasm she had shown throughout her life.
Cinderella’s grand-chipmunks became skilled in the art of cultivating the rare violets, and soon the entire chipmunk community was gifted with the shimmering white and purple violets that she had so dearly cherished. Cinderella’s legacy lived on through many generations, as the enchanting blooms continued to bring joy and wonder to the forest and meadows beyond, just as they had for Cinderella. Cinderella never found out why that poor girl lost her shoe but she certainly learned a lesson about enjoying her life, happily ever after.
This stunning gansai painting uses shimmering Japanese watercolor pigments to create a luxurious shimmer among the tiny spring flowers that Cinderella so lovingly cultivates. This 8×10 painting will be available for sale in a few weeks at a location in Hardy County, WV.
Prints will be available, yet only the original will contain the beautiful shimmer as described. Use the contact form for inquiries about this painting or for commissions.
In a mystical realm where enchanted beings reside, Delilah, the wise deer, and Elvis, the cheerful owl, formed an unlikely bond under the blossoming branches of a dogwood tree.
Once upon a time, in a magical realm where enchanted beings roamed freely, there lived 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. Delilah was known for her kind heart and gentle nature, while Elvis was famous for his infectious laughter that echoed through the forest each night.
One cool spring evening, as the dogwood tree began to bloom, Delilah and Elvis found themselves drawn to its blossoming branches. As they explored the tree’s elegant boughs, they formed an unlikely bond that transcended their differences of fur and feathers.
Together, they embarked on exciting night time adventures, exploring the whimsical forest and discovering its hidden wonders. They encountered mischievous fairies, playful flying squirrels, and friendly sprites all creatures that loved the night, and all of whom became their wonderful friends with each other.
One April night, as they rested under the shadow of the majestic dogwood tree by a lake called Kimsey, Delilah and Elvis realized that their adventures could be shared with others. They decided to find someone who could capture the beauty of their enchanted realm in a painting, hoping to spread joy and wonder to children far and wide.
With the painting in hand, they knew it was time to share it with the world. Delilah and Elvis invited all the eager children, eager to read their stories and share in their enchanting world.
From a place of wonder, where souls who shared a special connection found each other, blossomed a wellspring of delight and creativity for children across the globe. So embarked the fantastical journeys of Delilah and Elvis, eagerly nestled beneath the blooming canopy of a dogwood tree.
Thanks so much for enjoying my painting and story! This beautiful painting is 8×10 and features shimmering Gansai paint. It will be offered for sale at a gallery to be determined in Hardy County, West Virginia.
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 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!
The sun dappled the forest floor in a mosaic of light and shadow as I meandered along the trail. The air vibrated with the rhythmic drone of cicadas, a constant hum in the symphony of the woods. But then, another sound caught my ear – a high-pitched, whistled call, repeated in quick succession. It was a chickadee!
I paused, my senses heightened. The chickadees’ calls seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. I scanned the branches overhead, my eyes flitting from one twig to the next. Then, there they were – a tiny parliament of chickadees perched on a slender branch, their black and white plumage stark against the backdrop of emerald green leaves.
There were five of them, all seemingly engaged in an animated conversation. Their tiny heads bobbed as they chirped and whistled, their bright black eyes sparkling with life. One chickadee, plumper than the others, puffed out its chest and sang with particular fervor, its call echoing through the trees.
I stood there, mesmerized by their frenetic energy. They hopped from branch to branch, their tiny claws gripping the bark with surprising strength. They flitted and fluttered, their movements a blur of black and white against the verdant canvas.
As I continued my hike, the calls of the chickadees faded into the distance and I began plotting my next painting.
VISIT MY PATREON PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL CONTENT ABOUT THIS ARTWORK:
You may purchase the original painting at Lost River Works in Wardensville, WV. 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.
As we stepped into the cool, quiet forest early one morning, the tranquil silence enveloped us, broken only by the occasional bird song. Right in front of our eyes, the sun was just beginning its ascent, casting a warm glow on the foliage around my husband and me. It filtered through the dense canopy, the sunlight created a soft glow on the forest floor. I paused to admire the spectacle, feeling fortunate to witness the morning sunrise in this summer forest. The gentle rustling of leaves and the play of light and shadow made the experience nothing short of magical. It was a perfect moment to embrace the beauty of the moment.
Like the painting “Deep Forest” I was so fortunate to see this view that very same morning. When we arrived home, I immediately began painting so I could get this memory onto paper. Use the slider to compare the paintings below. Notice how I chose to paint outside of the margins as if nothing could restrain the trees from reclaiming their territory.
View “Deep Forest” below:
VISIT MY PATREON PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL CONTENT ABOUT THIS ARTWORK:
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.
I stood there, awestruck. This wasn’t our first time walking this loop through the woods – we’d probably done it 25 times by then – but that morning, something was different. The mist clung low to the ground, swirling around the thick canopy of trees. Sunlight filtered through the mist, creating a soft, ethereal glow that seemed to come from within the forest itself. It was a scene so magical, so otherworldly, that I couldn’t have dreamt it up even in my wildest imagination.
Of course, I didn’t have my phone with me to capture the moment. I didn’t want any distractions this morning. So, I had to do something that was quite hard: I had to commit the image to memory, every detail would need to be etched into my mind.
I wanted to fly home and get this scene down on paper. Yet, we were deep into the woods. I had the choice to either ruminate on getting home or live within the moment. I stepped forward, straight into the tableau and felt that mist right on my face. My skin prickled as the moment washed over me. I savored every detail of the light, the mist, and the feeling of being completely surrounded by this magic moment.
It was then that knew I wouldn’t forget the scene. It’s etched into my memory even now. But would I be able to convey the moment? I, admittedly, am awful at landscapes. I recently had sworn them off after several attempts at painting beach sunsets. My husband was astounded when he saw the result. “I thought you couldn’t do landscapes, babe!”
The Painting
The painting you see here is the result of that memory. It’s not a perfect recreation, of course – no painting can truly capture the ephemeral beauty of that morning. But it’s my interpretation, my way of sharing that feeling of awe and wonder with you.
In fact, there are two paintings from that morning. Since I chose not to turn back, rush home and apply brush to canvas; I was blessed with another beautiful moment of which I’ll share soon.
The painting is a watercolor of a lush green forest. The trees are tall and slender, their branches reaching towards the sky. I purposefully let them reach above the margin as if they cannot be contained by paper. The mist swirls around the trees. The lush greens of the forest are rendered in soft washes, while the mist is suggested by delicate veils of blues and purples. The sunlight filters through the trees in dappled patches, creating a sense of depth and dimension. The overall impression is one of serenity and quietude, a world bathed in soft, ethereal light. I hope you feel that.
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.
*Special note: Visit my Patreon page for a lesson on how to paint an impressionistic forest, a digital download of this painting and much more!