✨ Different venues, different themes — but always the same hope: that my art brings a bit of wonder and awareness and wonder to your day.
On October 24, I’ll be exhibiting at the Bank of Romney in Romney, WV as part of the Hampshire County Arts Council’s Art in Public Places program. This show will be called “Pretty Appalachian Pollinators” and will feature pollinating butterflies and moths of our region. Inspired by my participation in the national butterfly count this summer, these new works highlight both the beauty and the fragile future of these winged wonders.
Shattered Midnight Series September 2025 at The River House, Capon Bridge, WV
✨ 2025 Art Events & Exhibits ✨
🎨 August 15 – September 14 → Gallery Show at The River House, Capon Bridge (featuring the “Shattered Midnight” series)
🗣️ September 5 → Artist Talk at The River House, 6–8 PM
🧺 September 13 → Artisan Market at The River House, Capon Bridge
🌌 September 14 → Final day of Shattered Midnight series exhibit
🌲 September 20 → Art in the Park, Lost River State Park, WV
🦋 October 24 – December 19→ “Pretty Appalachian Pollinators” at the Bank of Romney (Art in Public Places program)
🍁 December 6 → Artisan Market at The River House, Capon Bridge (weather permitting)
“Elegance” is a gansai watercolor painting that explores the delicate interdependence between the monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant. This vibrant artwork goes beyond simply depicting a beautiful butterfly on a milkweed pod; it serves as a visual reminder of the crucial role milkweed plays in the monarch’s survival.
The painting portrays a single monarch butterfly delicately perched atop a mature milkweed pod, highlighting the intimate connection between these two species. While the monarch may be the star of the show, it’s the milkweed that truly sustains life. This seemingly ordinary plant is not just a source of nectar; it is the sole food source for monarch caterpillars.
Monarch caterpillars are highly specialized and exclusively feed on plants within the milkweed genus (Asclepias). This unique dietary restriction is crucial for their survival.
Milkweed plants contain toxins that make them unpalatable to most predators. By consuming milkweed, the caterpillars incorporate these toxins into their own bodies, making themselves poisonous to birds and other animals. This “acquired” toxicity provides the caterpillars and later, the adult butterflies, with a powerful defense mechanism. This specialized feeding behavior highlights the delicate interdependence between the monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant.
The survival of the monarch butterfly species is entirely dependent on the availability of milkweed plants.
As human development encroaches on natural habitats and the use of pesticides continues to threaten pollinators, milkweed populations are dwindling at an alarming rate. This decline has a direct and devastating impact on the monarch butterfly, a species that once painted our skies with vibrant orange wings. We can all play a vital role in protecting the monarch butterfly. By planting milkweed in our gardens, supporting local initiatives that restore native plant habitats, and advocating for the responsible use of pesticides, we can create a more hospitable environment for these magnificent creatures.
“Elegance” serves as a visual reminder that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact. By appreciating the intricate beauty of this delicate relationship, we can be inspired to become stewards of the natural world and ensure that the monarch butterfly continues to grace our skies for generations to come.
“Elegance ” is on display at The Inn at Lost River, Springhouse Suite in Lost River, WV. Go visit the Inn to view “Elegance” and other works like 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!
🌲✨ 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.
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.
Hold onto your brushes, because a flurry of fantastic news has descended upon my creative corner!
Get Ready to Pop! I’m absolutely tickled to announce that I’ll be joining a phenomenal Pop-Up Art Showon May 26th, 2024! This vibrant event will be bursting with artistic talent, alongside the incredible works of Abbie Chessler, Sue Ryan, John Harmon, and a whole host of other creative minds. ✨ Mark your calendars, dust off your dancing shoes, and get ready for a day of artistic revelry! Bring a hungry tummy because you can enjoy some delicious ice cream right next door!
Lost in Artistic Bliss! Speaking of May, I’m also thrilled to share that I’ve been chosen as the Artist of the Month at The Inn at Lost River! Throughout the year, my artwork will be gracing the walls of this charming haven. I am looking forward to a porch showcase in July or August of this year where I will bring all new works for sale! So, if you’re ever wandering the Lost River Valley and need a dose of artistic inspiration, be sure to stop by!
Marketplace Magic! ✨ And wait, there’s more! This May, I was also juried into the Artists Marketplace at Lost River! This fantastic marketplace is a treasure trove of local talent, and I’m beyond excited to showcase my work alongside other amazing creators. ️
March Makes a Masterpiece! Rewind a bit to March, where the artistic adventure began! I was incredibly honored to be invited to display and sell my artwork at the Lost River Works Gallery in Wardensville, WV. And guess what? Lost River Works has already sold and framed over 5 original paintings so far!
Stay Tuned for More! With so much artistic excitement brewing, buckle up because this is just the beginning! Keep your eyes peeled on my socials for upcoming posts about the Pop-Up Show and where to find my work at The Inn at Lost River and the Artists Marketplace. In the meantime, feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Let’s celebrate the joy of art together!
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!
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!
Flocks of Chickadees bring me such joy. I love when they gather at the bird feeder when I am painting. I love when they surround you in the forest. I just love these little fuzzballs and they always make me laugh!
I sketched these guys in anticipation of painting them later. It’s been a long time in between concept and fruition, but I’ve finally finished a beautiful color version of this sketch and will soon post it for sale as well. I love the graphite version of it just the same!
Flocks of Chickadees bring me an incredible amount of joy and happiness! It’s truly delightful to witness their playful presence as they gather around the bird feeder while I’m completely engrossed in my painting. The forest becomes a magical place when these adorable little fuzzballs surround you.
I’m absolutely thrilled to share that after much anticipation, I have finally completed a stunning, full-color version of this sketch. I can’t wait to showcase it and make it available for purchase. I must admit, though, that I have a special fondness for this graphite version as well – it holds a unique charm that I find absolutely enchanting! In fact, it’s so enchanting that my mother-in-law already has this sketch displayed in her home!
If you have any interest in purchasing a print of the “Flock O’ Chickadees” sketch 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 Dannemiller 