Ivy Bee

I had never been aware of the existence of Ivy bees until I saw them swarming in early autumn of 2022 on the side of a bank bordering the entrance to the cemetery next door to my house. At first I thought they were wasps, their abdomens are slim and distinctly striped and their dancing flight is very similar to that of a wasp. However upon closer examination I could see they were definitely a type of bee. After some research I was able to classify them as the solitary Ivy Bee and began to understand what they were doing on the bank. Each female bee digs her own nest in light sandy soil and collects pollen from neighbouring ivy flowers to feed the larvae which will ultimately hatch from the eggs she lays in her nest. Although they are solitary, when a good location is found hundreds of bees will dig their nests side by side and it is quite an impressive sight to see them all entering their dens with the hind legs bulging with pollen. I have seen these bees working away for several years now and I love the anticipation I feel in the weeks before I see them emerge. There is something comforting about this cyclical occurrence; the knowledge that you  will them on the same bank at the same time every year.

I meticulously paint the original image in gouache. The Giclée print is reproduced from the original painting and is created on xpression textured 300gsm archival paper, ensuring that the quality and texture enhance the visual depth of the image. Each print is unique; I apply gold leaf by hand, adding a distinctive touch that reflects my artistic process. This handcrafted approach means that no two prints are ever exactly the same, making each piece a truly original work of art infused with my personal touch. I sign each print by hand and add the edition number. Ideal for bird lovers and art enthusiasts alike, this print brings a touch of nature's beauty into any space.