Creating Mixed Media Bee Art on a Tree Slice

In this project, I’m continuing to explore a direction that combines traditional artwork with newer creative tools.

I started with a natural wood slice and created a honeybee surrounded by botanical elements, then brought the piece to life with pyrography, hand painting, and laser cutting. I also designed and cut a custom floral and honeycomb backer to turn the tree slice into a finished piece of wall art.

What interests me most is finding ways to use technology without losing the handmade character of the artwork. The tools help me build the foundation, but I can still come back in with a wood-burning pen, brushes, paint, and my own individual details.

This bee piece is one of my first experiments bringing all of those processes together, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this style of mixed-media nature art takes me next.

© Nathaniel Maloney. All rights reserved.