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 work is a celebration of the beauty, humor, and quiet wonder of country life.  My background in scenic painting trained me to capture atmosphere, texture, and storytelling on a grand scale. Now, in my garden studio on a Blanco ranch, I bring that same passion to personal moments—golden pastures, curious animals, and ever-changing skies.
My process begins with observation—walking the land, soaking in the light, and capturing photographs of everyday moments that inspire me. These snapshots from my life become the foundation for my paintings, helping me translate real experiences into art. Using acrylics, I build up soft layers of color to create depth and emotion, whether it’s the warmth of a sunlit field or the personality of a mischievous horse.
Through this work, I hope viewers experience the joy, peace, and connection that rural life brings me daily. May these paintings remind you to slow down, notice the details, and find beauty in the everyday.