Why would a muralist paint a bumble bee in nearly all her murals? The story behind this question began over fifteen years ago. While I was busy getting word out that I had a passion for painting murals I also needed an income. My graphic design background came in handy.

One day while meeting with a desktop publishing client who was also a friend I took a phone call from a woman inquiring about my murals. Normally I would not take a call while with a client but we had pretty much finished and he insisted. During the course of that conversation the woman asked if I had formal training for what I do. My response was, “No, I’m self-taught” and she didn’t have a problem with that. After finishing the conversation I hung up the phone and commented to my friend, “Wow, at one time in my life I would have been embarrassed to say I had no formal training for painting murals.”

My friend responded with this question, “Oh, kind of like a bumble bee, huh?” I said, “What do you mean?” He answered, “Well, aerodynamically a bumble bee should not be able to fly but somehow he does.” Since that moment I began painting a bumble bee in nearly all my murals as a reminder to follow my dreams no matter what.

Quite often a client will ask if I will paint a bee in their mural. On the few occasions when I have forgotten I usually get a phone call saying they can’t find the bee. I always go back to add the bee.

When I began designing greeting cards I decided to do a series of Happy Bumble Bees. Tennis is one of my favorite sports so I painted this frisky little tennis bee. This Tennis Bumble Bee print makes a great gift. He comes in a bright yellow mat measuring 8″ x 8″ to the outside of the mat. Inside dimensions are 4″ x 4″. Custom framing is available.

Tennis bumble bee, 4" x 4" matted. Fits an 8" x 8" frame.

Well thought out gifts are nearly always appreciated. A great stocking stuffer for a tennis fan might be a box of eight Tennis note cards. You never know when you might need to send a card to a fellow team mate or just someone you know enjoys tennis. Little things like a hand written note can make a person feel very special especially if you can tie it in to something they enjoy.

"Bee Courageous" Tennis Note Card, 5" x 4.25" Box of Eight $15

We are happy to drop ship your orders to those on your gift buying list. And for those really “difficult to buy for people” on your Christmas list, consider a Gift Certificate.

Hope you are enjoying the Holiday Season!

Painting birds has always brought me joy and cardinals are certainly one of my favorite birds. Adding them to murals has always been fun, especially in Colorado since they don’t live here. I find people from the midwest usually miss seeing them and they have actually asked me to add them to their murals.

Two little things I miss living in Colorado,  besides family and friends, are cardinals and lightning bugs (fireflies). Not having investigated it, I’m wondering if it is the altitude that keeps them away. I must admit creating this painting made me a bit homesick for family – well, it is that time of year.

The cardinal is the state bird of Indiana, where I grew up. It also is the state bird of Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. Let me know if that’s way more information than you needed.

When deciding on a setting for the cardinals I immediately envisioned snow and then the pine trees to add more color and textual interest. You seldom miss seeing the beautiful red of the male cardinal in the snow covered trees in the midwest during the winter.

This is the original painting which measures 8.5″ x 6.5″.

Snow Covered Cardinals in Watercolor

My new Christmas card for 2009 is from this painting. Some cropping was done so the birds could be as large as possible, hope you enjoy it. The cards come in boxes of ten with a bright red loop around it. The price is $15 for a box of ten cards. Christmas cards are available from my website, the Snow Covered Cardinals should be up soon.

Snow Covered Cardinals, New 2009 Christmas Card

Testimonial:

Hi Mickey,

I’m very pleased with the cards.  The ones for Tanya were for my daughter and I was able to get them to her by her birthday on the 11th .  She loves them.
Thank you and I will definitely keep your information for future orders for myself and gifts.  They make such nice gifts.

Jan H

Are you blessed with someone in your life who inspires you and makes you laugh? If you pay attention you’ll know someone like this. Here is a suggestion for a thank you note you might like to send to someone who is an inspiration to you.

“You inspire me to be my best, you make me laugh and remind me to take time to play. People like you are angels in my life. I am grateful to have you as a friend.”

Below is an idea for a fine art note card appropriate for a man or a women to receive. The original painting for this artwork was done in acrylic on canvas, it measures 40″h x 30″w, private collection. Giclee’s on archival canvas or archival watercolor paper are available.

#140, Box of ten cards & eleven envelopes, $15

Everyone eventually will need a congratulatory note and what can be more fun than acknowledging a friend’s accomplishments. Here is an idea for that special note.

“Congratulations, your hard work and caring attitude is a credit to your ability to succeed as the top sales person in your company. No one deserves it more. You go girl!”

And here is a fun card for many different occasions. Cards with fun colors, fun design and they’re fun to receive.

#170, 5.5"x4.25" Original painting was watercolors & collage. $2.95 each or $15 per box of ten note cards and eleven envelopes.

Recently I visited a friend I hadn’t seen in a few years. Since she hadn’t seen my Collage I series note cards I took her a box as a gift.  This is what she wrote in return . . .

Testimonial: THANKS!!!  And a big thank you for the note cards – I absolutely LOVE them!  I used the one saying “Yippee” to send a note to my grandson, Calvin, who just won his yellow belt in Tai Kwan Do (sp?)  and broke a board – so it was perfect!!!!  Diane