In the realm of the natural world, raccoons exhibit an intriguing and very social lifestyle. These resourceful mammals, known for their distinctive masked faces and ringed tails, are highly adaptable and can thrive in diverse environments across North and Central America.
Raccoons are largely nocturnal creatures, embarking on their nightly adventures under the shroud of darkness. Social by nature, they often form small family groups, with a typical unit consisting of a mother and her offspring. These intelligent animals display strong familial bonds, and the mothers, in particular, are incredibly nurturing and protective.
One of the most endearing qualities of raccoon families is their remarkable resourcefulness. From foraging for food in urban environments to creating dens in hollow trees or burrows, these clever creatures are adept at utilizing their surroundings to ensure their survival. Raccoon offspring, or kits, learn invaluable life skills from their mothers, including foraging techniques and essential survival strategies.
In the heart of their woodland habitats, raccoon families navigate their surroundings with agility and grace, often embarking on nightly quests for sustenance and adventure. As they traverse their territories, they leave behind traces of their presence, such as distinctive paw prints and the remnants of their nocturnal activities.
While raccoons are renowned for their prowess as foragers and hunters, they also indulge in moments of playfulness and bonding. Their interactions within the family unit are marked by a sense of camaraderie and warmth, as they engage in activities that foster social cohesion and mutual support.
The captivating lives of raccoon families offer a glimpse into the harmonious balance of nature and the enduring strength of familial bonds. From their resourceful foraging to their playful interactions, these intelligent creatures navigate the natural world with grace and adaptability. Through their nightly quests and heartwarming familial connections, raccoon families paint a portrait of nature’s enduring allure and the timeless art of adaptation and survival.
“Family Portrait” is a Gansai Watercolor and ink painting made by myself in May of 2024. It features shimmering pigments in the sunset that can only be seen on the original painting. The family style painting is a slightly different style than my normal subjects. Since raccoons tend to be social creatures, I couldn’t help but include a few younger, playful, kits along with some tired parents. I had not intended for the painting to remind me of a family portrait, yet, when I look at it now, what else could it be? Look at how the kit on the right is slightly wiggly, grabbing on onto his back feet in anticipation for the whole ordeal to be over! Mom is barely holding it together as her wild child is about to explode. “Take the picture already!” she seems to be pleading with her eyes.
“Family Portrait” is on display in the gallery at Lost River Works in Wardensville, WV. Go visit the family in person. It can be purchased there or I can arrange for shipping if you’re out the area. Please allow for extra wait times, we live a slower lifestyle out here and Lost River Works is open on weekends.
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
Once upon a time, in a cozy thicket at the edge of a sprawling meadow, there lived a soft brown bunny named Gilead. Gilead was a curious and friendly bunny, always eager to explore the world around him. He had many friends who lived in the thicket with him, including a graceful deer named Delilah, a wise old owl named Elvis, a playful chipmunk named Cinderella, and a busy bee named Bumble.
Gilead and his friends spent their days playing games, exploring the meadows, and enjoying the beauty of nature. They would chase each other through the tall grass, hide and seek among the dandelions, and listen to Elvis’s stories about the stars and the moon.
One warm spring morning, as Gilead was hopping through the meadow, he came across a patch of dandelions that had lost their fluffy white seeds. Feeling sad for the flowers, Gilead decided to gather up the seeds and help them find a new home. With the help of his friends, Gilead scattered the dandelion seeds across the meadow, and soon new flowers began to bloom, painting the meadow in shades of yellow and gold.
The animals danced and played among the dandelions, grateful for the beauty they had helped create. As the days turned into weeks, Gilead and his friends explored every corner of the meadow, discovering hidden treasures and making memories that would last a lifetime.
One day, as summer turned to fall, a gentle breeze blew through the meadow, carrying the dandelion seeds on their journey. Gilead watched as the seeds floated away, knowing that they would find new homes and create new patches of dandelions for future generations to enjoy.
Gilead the Bunny was painted with Gansai watercolors and ink. If you are interested in a print of this painting please use the contact form below and we can work together on the perfect size and style of print that you wish. Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
Where sunlight struggles to pierce the tangled undergrowth of a long forgotten forest lived, Cinderella. A chipmunk who adored wild violets. One day, as she was contemplating why she would be named after a woman who lost a shoe, Cinderella encountered a rare treasure. A sparkle caught her eye and she briefly wondered if it was that glass slipper that she was just thinking about. There in a meadow, among her favorite patch of purple violets, stood a bunch that glimmered with iridescent white and purple. Overwhelmed by their strange beauty, Cinderella carefully gathered the special violets, by their roots and brought them back to her burrow.
Determined to preserve and cultivate these extraordinary violets, Cinderella lovingly cared for them over many seasons. She dedicated herself to ensuring that the rare violets continued to thrive and nurtured them with the same tenderness and devotion she had shown for all the violets she adored. As time passed, Cinderella’s efforts paid off, and the shimmering white and purple violets flourished under her care, as she spread their beauty throughout the meadows nearby her home.
As Cinderella aged, she realized the importance of passing on her knowledge and love for the violets to the next generation. She began to teach her grand-chipmunks the art of cultivating and appreciating the unique violets. It was a joy for Cinderella to see her grand-chipmunks eagerly embracing the legacy she had created, learning to care for the violets with the same reverence and enthusiasm she had shown throughout her life.
Cinderella’s grand-chipmunks became skilled in the art of cultivating the rare violets, and soon the entire chipmunk community was gifted with the shimmering white and purple violets that she had so dearly cherished. Cinderella’s legacy lived on through many generations, as the enchanting blooms continued to bring joy and wonder to the forest and meadows beyond, just as they had for Cinderella. Cinderella never found out why that poor girl lost her shoe but she certainly learned a lesson about enjoying her life, happily ever after.
This stunning gansai painting uses shimmering Japanese watercolor pigments to create a luxurious shimmer among the tiny spring flowers that Cinderella so lovingly cultivates.
This 8×10 painting resides in my home in Hardy County, WV.
Prints will be available, yet only the original will contain the beautiful shimmer as described. Use the contact form for inquiries about this painting or for commissions.
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!
The first tendrils of sunshine crept through the kitchen window, painting a warm stripe across the worn wooden table where I sat. Outside, the world was a symphony of chirps and whistles – a chorus announcing the arrival of spring. I felt a familiar tug, an urge to capture this shift in the season, this promise of new beginnings.
Glancing at the blank canvas propped against the wall, I knew exactly what I wanted to paint. Gansai pigments, bright and alive, seemed to call to me from their pans. I saw sunshine yellow and vibrant green, the perfect colors to embody the feeling of springtime.
With a practiced hand, I began sketching the outline of a bunny. Not just any bunny, but a creature impossibly fluffy. Its fur surrounded by vibrant dandelions, tiny promises held by gentle spring vibrations. Its ears were perked up, alert to the whispers of the waking world.
As I painted, the world outside seemed to fade away. The rhythmic scratch of the brush against the paper became the soundtrack to my own private spring symphony. The gentle scent of the paints mingled with the earthy fragrance that seemed to waft through the window, a potent nudge of the world awakening from its winter slumber.
With each stroke, the bunny came to life. Its eyes, pools of liquid chocolate, held a spark of curiosity, reflecting the playful energy of the season. The dandelions, a flurry of delicate yellow against the backdrop of a grassy meadow or a gentle walking path… the mind is allowed to wander and wonder what’s beyond the foliage that secures the bunny’s location
By the time I finished the last detail, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow across the room. Stepping back to admire my work, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. The gansai painting wasn’t just an image; it was a captured feeling, a celebration of spring’s gentle nudge towards renewal.
What wonders it will bring in 2024? I can’t wait to find out.
The original gansai painting will be sold at Lost River Works Gallery in Wardensville, WV. No prints have been made of this painting.
Please feel free to use the form below for commissions or gallery appearances. I will answer your request as soon as possible.
In the heart of an ancient pine forest, there lived a beautiful, red fox. He was curious, mysterious, and ethereal, his fur shimmered like autumn leaves. One day, the fox came across a colorful glass window stained with an array of colors in an old, crumbling cathedral that was deep in an ancient pine forest.
The fox was captivated by the window’s vibrant colors and contrasting black lines that slashed through the delicate designs. He had never seen anything so beautiful and imagined himself soaring through the air like the birds depicted in the glass.
The fox wished he could be as beautiful as the stained glass window even though he was already one of the most beautiful animals in the forest; with his coat the color of autumn leaves, his chest the color of snow and his feet black as night.
He became so focused on the window that he jumped through it! The window shattered into a thousand pieces! But when the fox opened his eyes, he realized that he was now encased in the stained glass and his fur had transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors. Each piece of the shattered window had become part of himself. The fox was overjoyed. He danced and twirled, admiring his shimmering, new beauty. He was no longer just a fox of the forest; he was a work of art!
News of the fox’s transformation spread quickly throughout the old forest. Animals from all over came to see the crumbling cathedral with the shimmering stained glass fox slashed with black. They marveled at his beauty and wished to be just as beautiful themselves.
One by one, the animals jumped into the glass windows of the stone cathedral. Each animal was transformed into a work of art, their fur and feathers gleaming with vibrant colors and slashed with contrasting black.
Soon, all the stained glass windows were filled with vibrant animals of all shapes and sizes. There were chipmunks, wolves, bears, deer, rabbits, squirrels, butterflies, birds, and even a few fish. The animals danced and played together, creating a symphony of color and movement that brought them so much joy!
The old, abandoned, cathedral deep in the pine forest became a symbol of happiness, beauty and diversity. It became a token that all creatures are beautiful in their own way, no matter their size or shape.
One day, a sad little girl from a far away village found the kaleidoscope cathedral that was deep inside the forest. She had followed a delicate butterfly that lead her straight to the cathedral.
The little girl was amazed by what she saw. She had never seen anything so beautiful. She sat for many hours admiring the colors and designs and watching the animals dance, their colors were a moving kaleidoscope on the floor of the abandoned cathedral. Soon, the girl had an idea to paint the images that she saw so she could share them with her family and ran all the way home to get her supplies. But the girl’s family saw that she was happy and forbade her to return to the forest. Eventually, the girl became a young woman, and was finally able to search for the cathedral on her own but she became lost and could not find the cathedral again for many years.
Many years went by and the sad little girl became a woman. She had traveled many miles, searching in villages, steams and woods, sometimes forgetting what she was searching for in the first place.
One day, the woman gave up searching and sat still at the edge of the forest and listened to her heart beat. The woman soon remembered the way to the cathedral in the old pine forest and when she looked up, a butterfly had landed on her sleeve!
The woman eventually found her beloved, happy, magical animals! She was glad to have finally returned with her watercolor paints and brushes and began painting pictures of the animals in the windows.
The stained glass animals were happy to see the woman enjoying their beauty. They were overjoyed to bring happiness to the woman who had lost her way for so long. They danced and twirled for her, putting on a dazzling show once again.
The woman told the animals that their beauty was more than just a physical thing; their joy was the gift to be shared with the world. And so, she painted their portraits and began to share them, hoping to spread the happiness that the animals gave to her, in a crumbling cathedral, deep in that old pine forest.
If you are interested in a print of this painting, use the contact form below and we can work together on the perfect size and style of print that you wish.
If you are interested in a print of this painting, use the contact form below and we can work together on the perfect size and style of print that you wish.
