Bee Balmtopia by Erica Dawn Smith

Bee Balmtopia
Erica Dawn Smith
Acrylic on canvas
12” x 12” x .75” - stained wood floating frame
2024

Tranquility and wonder in a field of delicate bee balm flowers.  Their vibrant blooms with soft, whimsical hues sway gently against a serene background of distant trees and clouds floating by.  The composition invites you into a peaceful, almost otherworldly space, where nature’s quiet elegance awaits. 

Get to Know the Austin Artist:
My current work is a direct reflection of my personal experience of living on a beautiful ranch in the Texas Hill Country.  My paintings depict the area’s vibrant landscapes while capturing the mundane yet magical moments of country life. My creative process begins with a photograph that I have taken, a snapshot of my life that sparks inspiration.  After priming the canvas or board, I sketch and then base in basic shapes and work from background to foreground, adding more detail as I progress.  My previous experience painting and designing for theater and film informs my pragmatic and efficient approach to mixing colors and applying the paint.  However, I always allow myself to revel in the process and enjoy the emergence of the image I’m striving to create.  It brings me great joy to harness my creative energy and use it to make thoughtful and awe-inspiring art. 

I am driven to do this work because I have a deep love and appreciation for my surroundings that I feel compelled to share.  There is something very extraordinary about the rugged beauty and dynamic natural features of Central Texas.  I am forever inspired by the expansive skies, rolling hills, and amazing creatures that I encounter.  In every brushstroke, I strive to honor the land’s subtle complexities—its sharp contrasts, delicate resilience, and ever-changing character.