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.
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 day started like any other: birds were chirping, squirrels were hoarding nuts for the winter, and I was staring blankly at a canvas with a sketch of a dragonfly, willing inspiration to strike. As a self-proclaimed artist (though my dogs would argue the point), I prided myself on being unconventional. I didn’t want to paint just any dragonfly, I needed as sweet escape from reality. So, instead of the usual acrylic paints, I reached for my trusty box of gansai-tambi paints – tiny jewels of color waiting to be unleashed.
Now, gansai-tambi paints are known for their vibrancy and shimmer, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. With the enthusiasm of a toddler with a box of crayons, I attacked the canvas with a a large circle of shimmering bronze, then gold, then green, blue, orange… when will the circles collide? I was soon transforming the once-white surface into a mesmerizing vortex that seemed to pulsate with warmth. The white dragonfly left, starkly in the middle.
Now, for the main event: the dragonfly. I envisioned a creature of whimsy and flight, a burst of color against the shimmering bronze. But as I dipped my brush into the paint, a mischievous glint entered my eye. “What if, instead of meticulously painting each detail, I embraced the unpredictable nature of the watercolors?” I said aloud to myself. My dogs raised their ears in amusement.
With a flourish, I dripped and splattered greens, blues, and purples onto the canvas, letting the colors dance and mingle as they pleased. It was like watching a fireworks display in slow motion, each splatter adding a unique spark to the dragonfly’s wings.
But something was missing. It needed…texture! I drop my brush and run down the stairs and soon return, breathing more heavy than I care for, with my prize in my hand.
Enter the humble paper towel. With the nonchalance of a Jackson Pollock impersonator, I dabbed and blotted at the wet paint, reveling in the way the colors morphed and shifted. The once-uniform washes became a kaleidoscope of splotches and speckles, each one a testament to the happy accidents (thanks, Bob Ross) that happen when you embrace the mess.
I continue the color motif of the wings on to the body, this time assuming the radiating, repeating pattern like the circles below it. Soon, the dragonfly takes the shape of an android or an alien. I like it. It’s different. It’s far-out. It’s Funky.
The style turned out to be considered abstract geometric art. This style of art is characterized by the use of geometric shapes, lines, and colors to create a composition. The artist does not represent real-world objects in the painting, but instead uses the elements of art to create a sense of balance, movement, and harmony. Specifically, the painting is in the style of hard-edge painting. This is a type of geometric abstraction that emerged in the 1960s, and is characterized by the use of clean lines, flat planes of color, and a focus on precision and clarity.
And there it was – a dragonfly unlike any other, its wings a testament to the beauty of imperfection. Sure, it wasn’t your typical, detail-oriented masterpiece, but it had heart, it had soul, and it had a story to tell – a story of a blank canvas, a unique, jewel box of paints, and an “artist” who wasn’t afraid to get a little messy.
Is there a life lesson here? Probably. You tell me!
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 as well. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
If you are interested in more content; visit my Patreon page. It contains more details on the creation process, digital downloads and more storytelling!
During the winter of 2023, the chill of winter had settled deep in the Lost River, but within the walls of my cozy loft studio, a warm summer dream was taking flight. My fingers, tinted with vibrant watercolors, danced across the paper, weaving a tale of a golden dragonfly, its iridescent wings shimmering against a backdrop of pristine white.
As the brush met the paper, my mind drifted away from the frosty landscape outside, transported to a sun-drenched meadow teeming with life. I could almost feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, hear the symphony of birdsong, and smell the intoxicating fragrance of wildflowers as my dogs snuggled close beside me in my winter hideaway.
The dragonfly, a symbol of transformation and new beginnings, seemed to embody the spirit of summer, a season of endless possibilities. With each tiny stroke of my brush, I breathed life into its delicate form, its wings a mosaic of shimmering gold, violet and amber, its eyes like gleaming jewels.
My studio, once a sanctuary against the winter’s harsh embrace, had transformed into a magical realm where summer held sway! The gentle hum of the heater echoed the buzz of insects, while the soft glow of my work lamp mimicked the golden rays of the sun.
As I painted, I could almost feel the gentle caress of a summer breeze, rustling through the leaves of imaginary trees and carrying with it the sweet scent of honeysuckle. Gosh, I love the smell of honeysuckle! The world outside faded away, replaced by a vivid tapestry of summer memories – lazy days spent in the yard picking wildflowers, hikes in the park, and evenings filled with star shine and the calls of barred owls.
With each passing hour, the golden dragonfly on my canvas grew more vibrant, its intricate wings shimmering with an almost ethereal glow. It seemed to dance across the white background, its every movement a testament to the enduring power of summer’s spirit!
As the final brushstrokes fell into place, I stepped back to admire my creation. The golden dragonfly, now complete, seemed to radiate warmth and light, a beacon of summer amidst the winter’s gloom. In that moment, I realized that my painting was more than just a depiction of an insect; it was a testament to the resilience of our inner spirits, our ability to dig deep and find joy and beauty even in the darkest of days.
The winter flew by while I was in my studio painting summer visitors. This dragonfly was immediately loved by my mother-in-law who exclaimed that it reminded her of playing on her parent’s farm during the mild summers in Ohio. Tell me, how do you endure your winters? Do you enjoy the cold or hunker down like me and dream of summer sun?
If you have any interest in purchasing a print of the “Golden Dragonfly” watercolor please fill out the form below and I will respond with purchase options for you!
If you are interested in more content visit my Patreon page.
Tobi Tokens 