In this series, I wanted to capture the common black bear of West Virginia in a new light. I opted for vibrant hues of pink and blue for the bears, setting them against contrasting backgrounds to create a playful feel.
“He Said” and “She Said”: Unconventional Colors – Unconventional Couple
I know black bears are typically portrayed realistically, but I wanted to use color to evoke a sense of wonder. The pink and blue tones add a touch of playfulness to these majestic creatures. The contrasting backgrounds of each painting, orange for “He Said” and green for “She Said” add the dramatic effect that black bears are famous for.
The titles are obviously a play on a couple of bears that might tell their stories about what they do in the woods, but no-one will really know. Each of these bears insist that you believe them, their eyes implore that their tale is true!
“He Said” by Tobi Dannemiller
Subtle Realism
Despite the vibrant colors of the bears’ fur, the shimmering bronze muzzles on both bears offer a touch of realism in reference to their natural coloring.
“She Said” by Tobi Dannemiller
Gansai Paints
The Gansai vibrancy and transparency of these paints allowed for delicate layering, creating a sense of lightness and airiness that complements the whimsical style.
West Virginia Inspiration
I try to incorporate animals that live in West Virginia. Black bears are a common sight here, so featuring them in these paintings felt like a natural fit.
Conclusion
I hope my Gansai paintings of West Virginia black bears offer a new perspective on these fascinating creatures. The unconventional colors and whimsical style, combined with the subtle realism, create a unique and captivating artistic experience.
These two mini paintings are currently at The Artist’s Marketplace at Lost River. Visit Lost River Crafts for location and contact information.
If you are interested in these two bears, act quickly, they will likely go fast.
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
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.
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.
Once upon a time, in a cozy thicket at the edge of a sprawling meadow, there lived a soft brown bunny named Gilead. Gilead was a curious and friendly bunny, always eager to explore the world around him. He had many friends who lived in the thicket with him, including a graceful deer named Delilah, a wise old owl named Elvis, a playful chipmunk named Cinderella, and a busy bee named Bumble.
Gilead and his friends spent their days playing games, exploring the meadows, and enjoying the beauty of nature. They would chase each other through the tall grass, hide and seek among the dandelions, and listen to Elvis’s stories about the stars and the moon.
One warm spring morning, as Gilead was hopping through the meadow, he came across a patch of dandelions that had lost their fluffy white seeds. Feeling sad for the flowers, Gilead decided to gather up the seeds and help them find a new home. With the help of his friends, Gilead scattered the dandelion seeds across the meadow, and soon new flowers began to bloom, painting the meadow in shades of yellow and gold.
The animals danced and played among the dandelions, grateful for the beauty they had helped create. As the days turned into weeks, Gilead and his friends explored every corner of the meadow, discovering hidden treasures and making memories that would last a lifetime.
One day, as summer turned to fall, a gentle breeze blew through the meadow, carrying the dandelion seeds on their journey. Gilead watched as the seeds floated away, knowing that they would find new homes and create new patches of dandelions for future generations to enjoy.
Gilead the Bunny was painted with Gansai watercolors and ink. 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.
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!
I’m buzzing with excitement to share one of my favorite creations with you all today! This little guy here is Bumble Bumble, and he’s ready to bring a burst of sunshine wherever he goes.
I used shimmering gansai watercolors to create this vibrant bee. Gansai paints are like magic – they allow the colors to dance and come alive on the page, and that’s exactly what happened here with Bumble Bumble. The light hits his fuzzy body just right, and you can almost see him buzzing around the canvas.
He looks like he’s about to alight onto of a sea of pink, and there are splashes of shimmering color all around him – like a bee’s dream come true! The colors are so energetic and happy, and I just love the way they all work together.
If you’re looking for a little pick-me-up, Bumble Bumble is the bee for you! He’s full of life and personality, and he’s guaranteed to brighten your day.
Now Available at Lost River Works Gallery!
The best part? Bumble Bumble is available for purchase at Lost River Works Gallery in Wardensville, WV! If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and see him in person. He’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Let me know what you think!
I’d love to hear what you think of Bumble Bumble. Leave a comment below and let me know if you have any questions. And if you happen to buy him, be sure to send me a picture – I’d love to see him in his new home!
Happy buzzing!
The original gansai painting will be sold at Lost River Works Gallery in Wardensville, WV with it’s Certificate of Authenticity. No prints have been made of this painting. I will make special prints if the original sells to include the same shimmering paint that the original has!
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
VISIT MY PATREON PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL CONTENT ABOUT THIS ARTWORK:
The first tendrils of sunshine crept through the kitchen window, painting a warm stripe across the worn wooden table where I sat. Outside, the world was a symphony of chirps and whistles – a chorus announcing the arrival of spring. I felt a familiar tug, an urge to capture this shift in the season, this promise of new beginnings.
Glancing at the blank canvas propped against the wall, I knew exactly what I wanted to paint. Gansai pigments, bright and alive, seemed to call to me from their pans. I saw sunshine yellow and vibrant green, the perfect colors to embody the feeling of springtime.
With a practiced hand, I began sketching the outline of a bunny. Not just any bunny, but a creature impossibly fluffy. Its fur surrounded by vibrant dandelions, tiny promises held by gentle spring vibrations. Its ears were perked up, alert to the whispers of the waking world.
As I painted, the world outside seemed to fade away. The rhythmic scratch of the brush against the paper became the soundtrack to my own private spring symphony. The gentle scent of the paints mingled with the earthy fragrance that seemed to waft through the window, a potent nudge of the world awakening from its winter slumber.
With each stroke, the bunny came to life. Its eyes, pools of liquid chocolate, held a spark of curiosity, reflecting the playful energy of the season. The dandelions, a flurry of delicate yellow against the backdrop of a grassy meadow or a gentle walking path… the mind is allowed to wander and wonder what’s beyond the foliage that secures the bunny’s location
By the time I finished the last detail, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow across the room. Stepping back to admire my work, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. The gansai painting wasn’t just an image; it was a captured feeling, a celebration of spring’s gentle nudge towards renewal.
What wonders it will bring in 2024? I can’t wait to find out.
VISIT MY PATREON PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL CONTENT ABOUT THIS ARTWORK:
Gansai and western watercolors, despite being under the same watercolor umbrella, have some distinct differences. Here’s a breakdown:
Binders:
Western watercolors: Traditionally use gum arabic as a binder, which dissolves easily in water and gets absorbed deeper into the paper. This results in a matte finish and translucency.
Gansai: Traditionally used animal glue, but modern brands often use glucose, beeswax, or other natural binders. These create a thicker, glossier finish and more opacity.
Pigment:
Western watercolors: Typically have a lower pigment to binder ratio, allowing for layering and washes.
Gansai: Have a higher pigment to binder ratio, making them more vibrant and opaque, even in single layers. They’re less suitable for building complex layers.
Color Palette:
Western watercolors: Offer a wider range of colors, often focusing on earth tones and muted shades.
Gansai: Traditionally lean towards bolder, jewel-toned colors like cherry blossom pink, emerald green, and vibrant indigo.
Applications:
Western watercolors: Excel in wet-on-wet techniques, creating soft blends and gradual transitions.
Gansai: Perform better with wet-on-dry techniques, creating sharp edges and vibrant washes. They’re often used for single-layer illustrations or underpaintings.
Texture:
Western watercolors: Flow more readily and blend smoothly on paper.
Gansai: Have a slightly heavier feel and tend to stay put on the paper, making them less prone to bleeding.
Additional Points:
Brushes: Gansai are traditionally used with larger, softer brushes that work well with their thicker consistency.
Paper: Western watercolors generally work well on thicker, textured paper, while gansai are designed for absorbent Japanese paper like Washi.
Ultimately, the choice between gansai and western watercolors depends on your artistic style and desired aesthetic. Western watercolors offer greater versatility and layering, while gansai provide vibrant boldness and precision. It’s always fun to experiment and see what best suits your artistic journey!
Tobi Tokens 