These unique mixed media artworks explore the importance of healthy pollinator populations to maintain healthy ecosystems, and our interdependence upon these species to produce the fruits and vegetables we need to thrive.
Halictid Bees Pollinate Vanessa Grapes in the Dyer's Garden
Halictid Bees Pollinate Vanessa Grapes in the Dyer's Garden
Have you ever felt a sense of wonder as something small and often overlooked reveals its importance? Can you imagine the warm, late summer air filled with the soft hum of an iridescent green bee moving from bloom to bloom? That is what Ivana experienced that inspired this artwork. Ivana expresses this moment of discovery after following an iridescent green halictid bee through her garden and onward to her neighbor's property, watching it pollinate with quiet purpose. She used natural plant pigments from her own dye garden and a neighbor’s grape vines to create this unique plant pigment print with colors that are both earthy and luminous. The metallic green india ink on the bee contrasts against the bright reds of the coreopsis flower pigment prints and the deep, red-purple tones of Vanessa grapes, while textures shift between smooth washes and fine, hand-painted detail. The meaning that emerges is a renewed awareness that even the smallest lives sustain the abundance we depend on.
Envision this luminous artwork in your dining room or kitchen, where it quietly enriches the experience of gathering and sharing food. Guests are drawn to the unexpected shimmer of the green bee and begin asking questions about pollination, gardens, and the origins of what we eat. Collectors who value food, nature, and craftsmanship feel a strong connection, as this piece reflects both curiosity and care. It becomes part of the conversations you host and the meals you share. Over time, it deepens your appreciation for the unseen relationships that bring beauty and nourishment into your life. This artwork celebrates connection, discovery, and the intelligence of nature.
“One day I noticed a large irridescent green bee that I had never seen before feeding on the echinacea blooms in my garden. It’s green color sparkled in the sunlight and I followed it around my garden observing it as it pollinated my various fruit and vegetable blooms. After this experience I looked it up and learned that it is part of a family of green bees called the Halictids, and that they are responsible for pollinating grapes. To make this artwork I transferred the pigments of dye plants from my own garden and grape vines from a neighbor’s garden. Then I drew and painted in all the details including these special bees!”
The artwork measures 22” x 30” and comes framed in a beautiful floating mount presentation with museum quality standards including white cotton mat board, Japanese paper wheat starch hinges, UV protective acrylic and a contemporary white wood frame measuring 26” x 34”. It is signed in pencil on the front in the lower right corner.
This unique mixed media artwork is part of Ivana’s garden pollinator series and is created using archival cotton paper, botanical printing, natural mineral watercolors, and archival metallic inks to ensure lasting richness and depth. Due to the handmade process, there is a subtle surface texture where the plant pigment impressions meet the ink, which becomes more visible as light shifts throughout the day. The watercolor paper for this artwork is made with 65% recycled cotton fiber because Ivana seeks out sustainable materials to create her art. In addition to recycled materials, Ivana grew the dye plants in her garden that were used to make the plant pigment impressions. All materials are selected with low environmental impact in mind, which aligns with collectors who value responsible creation. The watermark shown online is for internet display only and will not appear on the final artwork. If you would like help visualizing it in your space, Ivana offers a complimentary digital mockup so you can confidently add it to your collection.
