Thursday, January 11, 2007

"The Pollinator"


I took a photo of this single minded little honeybee in the gardens at El Alisal, home of early newsman and dedicated cultural photographer Charles Lummis. It's a hand built river rock building nestled in the Arroyo Seco area south of Pasadena, CA. I took a lot of different photos inside and out, but was charmed that I caught this one tiny bee in flight so clearly. It's a 4"x4" oil on hardwood panel, and the image continues around the edges so no frame is needed. This piece is much more vibrant and rich than the photo shows, I may need to fuss with my digital camera. settings and reshoot it. It looks like a jewel on the wall. I probably need to come up with a nicer name for her. Suggestions are welcome! This icon of sweetness will be for sale later when she is dry.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

OH, I just love this! I bet it is astounding in person. You did a fabulous job with the wings...and is that a bit of pollen on its legs?

Just beautiful. Keep up the good work!

~Amanda

TK said...

Thanks so much for the nice comment! Yes, bees carry pollen back to the hive on their hind legs, if they get a lot it makes visible lumps. It's also how the flowers get pollinated, by this area brushing against the flower's center. I believe bees have special "storage" bristles there. Hers was actually that reddish pink color, more often it is golden or orange.