Acrylic
Canvas
11” x 14”
Acrylic on Canvas
The Spring Bee Collection 2022
surreal: Surreal, Nature, Bee, Floral
(Tap the image to view Full Screen)
This painting is a surreal take on a bumblebee — part imagination, part nature study. I wanted to show the bee as more than just an insect, but as a carrier of life and transformation. Growing out of its back are dandelions, both in full yellow bloom and the white seed-puff stage. The seeds are floating off into the sky, like little wishes or messengers on the wind.
The bee’s eyes are big and glowing with blue and gold patterns — almost like it’s from another world. I’ve always loved the way dandelions represent both strength and letting go, and combining them with the bee felt like a natural pairing.
You’ll also see some writing in the background, like notes or thoughts, to give it a journal-like feel — as if someone was studying the magic of it all. It’s a mix of science, spirit, and childhood wonder.
Tags: Dandelions, Bumblebees, Queen Bumblebee, Pollinator,
This piece is part of The Spring Bee Collection and was such a fun one to paint. I’ve always loved dandelions — the way they break apart in the wind feels both playful and powerful. This was the first bee I gave “bangs” to, which gave it a little extra personality. The color palette was inspired by a warm, southern country aesthetic, and like the rest of the bees in this series, it carries a mix of whimsy, nature, and joy.
I paint these bees to celebrate pollination and to honor the vital role bees play in our existence. They’re small, but their impact is massive — and I think they deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered for that.
It was also the first piece where I added in the science notes, giving it that extra journal-like feeling. I’ve been a fan of cursive writing in art for a long time, and this was my way of adding a personal spin on that idea.
