The Bumblebee and flora – Mixed Media painting

THE STORY

This painting was inspired by advice from Created to Thrive mentor Matt Tommey during the COVID-19 lockdown. His challenge was: “Do something you’ve never done before. Use materials you’d normally throw away. Don’t waste anything!”

My starting point was a dirty, discarded sheet of art paper splattered with leftover acrylic paint. I added thinned-down paint from other projects, creating a kind of mixed-media experiment. Over time, this became a fun process—I’d splash leftover paint onto the paper, set it aside, and think, “Who knows how this will turn out?”

Months later, while tidying my studio, I rediscovered the unfinished piece. Inspired, I tore the paper edges, found an old wedding photo frame that fit, and asked myself, “What next?”

The background colours suggested something floral, maybe yellow. So I grabbed acrylic tubes of red and yellow and went for it—thick, expressive strokes of impasto, splashes, dribbles, and finally, flowers and seeds brought to life. I finished with a burst of pencil marks, adding energy and movement.

But … something was missing!

After another hiatus, this thought occurred: “Why not a watercolour pencil, a photorealist bird in flight”? Realising it looked like an expressionist garden scene, the AHA moment arrived that a bee would better suit the flower.

Of course, it had to be a big, bold Bumblebee.

Why the Bumblebee

If you think about it, the Bumblebee is a Big Wonder on this planet, plus its size and shape would fill the picture nicely.

I googled bumblebee and discovered a lot of information, elevating my wonder at the design and its place in the ecology chain.

Rather than writing the story, I attach these links to what I learned.  Deep Look, David Attenborough, Science Mag, Wikipedia.

The philosopher’s thoughts

The philosopher’s desire to seek the meaning of life is open to all mankind.

To seek and find is the desire of a seeking person, stirring deep passion. Genuine truth seekers will find the key to unlocking the knowledge they seek. Many doors open to genuine seekers..

As the New Zealand Maori say, “What is in the Kete (Basket) of knowledge you look for when you seek a lifestyle to enjoy”?

In the context of spirituality, truth gives new life and meaning to our whole being, body, soul, and spirit.

Dwelling in the physical world of our universe then becomes a fascination, at times beyond comprehension, a study of all that is available to learn.

Science, education, entertainment, philosophy, religion, and even government all take on a different meaning when the light shines and the fact that a (not supposed to fly) bumblebee can fly becomes a no-brainer.

The bumblebee should fly because the way it is engineered means it is meant to fly. And fly it will as it fulfils its purpose in ecological welfare.

I hope you enjoy the story.

STATUS and MATERIALS

ORIGINAL FOR SALE  * 
Painted with acrylics, watercolour pencils, lead pencil, and waste fine art paper. Protected with 3 coats of UV archival spray.
* Original and Limited Edition reproductions are supplied with Provenance, coded Authentication of Sale Certificate, and maintenance/care information.

15 LIMITED EDITION CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS *
Unframed sizes | 960 x short side – $960  |  650 x short side – $650
Printed on long-life archival canvas. 8 colour giclee printed on fine art archival paper or archival linen canvas and acrylic enhanced. Protected with 2 coats of UV archival spray.
* Stretch-mounted reproductions will incur added charges for mounting and freight.

OPEN EDITION POSTER ART PRINTS *
Unframed sizes | 594 x short side – $120
* Posters printed on fine art papers and treated with two coats of UV archival spray.

FASHION and PRODUCTS

Reproduced images may be purchased on multiple product lines at Fine Art America

SHIPPING

• Includes insurance and package/handling fees.
• The Original and Limited Edition reproductions ship with the Provenance-coded Authentication of Sale Certificate and maintenance information.
• Poster art prints ship in insured tubes.

AWARDS