Supering Our Beehive Over The Weekend

Expanding Our Beekeeping Operations

"The Inspection of The Colony" By Eric Buechel, Watercolor, 20" x 28" 2016

The Inspection of The Colony

By Eric Buechel

The time has come for Kathy and me to add a medium-sized super to our busiest hive, a task we have been eagerly anticipating. This addition is not just a routine chore; it represents a significant step in our beekeeping journey. As we prepare to enhance the hive's capacity, I find this to be an enjoyable and fulfilling endeavor, one that I have come to appreciate not only for its practical benefits but also for its artistic inspiration. In the days leading up to this moment, I took the time to meticulously gather and organize all the necessary gear well in advance. This preparation was crucial, as it allowed us to approach the task with efficiency and confidence. When the day finally arrived, the exercise proved to be quick and easy, thanks to our careful planning. There is a certain thrill that accompanies the sight of our busy queen moving gracefully among the bustling worker bees, and witnessing her activity adds an extra layer of excitement to the process. The hive body and the first super are strictly designated for the bees, ensuring that they have ample space to expand their colony and store their precious honey. This commitment to the well-being of our bees is paramount, as it fosters a healthy and productive hive environment. It is important to note that only the supers positioned above the initial hive body will be allocated for our use. This distinction is essential to maintain the integrity of the bees’ living space while allowing us to harvest honey from the upper supers later in the season. As I engage in this hands-on activity, I can't help but think about the artistic possibilities that arise from my experiences in the apiary. The images captured during this process serve as invaluable subject matter for my apiarist paintings. Each moment spent with the bees is an opportunity to observe their intricate behaviors and the vibrant colors of their environment, which I strive to translate onto watercolor paper. The blog will feature a selection of these images, providing you with a glimpse into how I gather inspiration for my artwork. In conclusion, adding the medium-sized super to our hive is more than just a practical task; it is a harmonious blend of beekeeping and artistic expression. Each step we take in managing our bees not only contributes to their thriving ecosystem but also fuels my creativity, allowing me to share the beauty of beekeeping through my paintings.

The Inspection of The Colony, Watercolor and Gouache on 550 lb. Rag Arches Paper.

Sheet Size 22" x 30". First exhibited at the McGhee Tyson Airport 2016

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Photography By Eric Buechel

The Inspection of The Colony

By Eric Buechel

In the golden glow of morning light,

Buzzing whispers take to flight,

Through fields of clover, sweet and bright,

The honeybees begin their rite.

With tiny bodies, striped and bold,

They dance in patterns, stories told,

Of nectar found and pollen gold,

A world of wonders to behold.

The queen, she reigns, a regal sight,

In chambers warm, where life ignites,

Workers toil from morn till night,

In harmony, they take their flight.

Amidst the hives, a sacred space,

Each bee knows well its vital place,

They gather round, a bustling race,

In nature’s dance, they find their grace.

Through fragrant blooms, they flit and glide,

With purpose clear, they do not hide,

For in their hearts, a love resides,

To share the sweetness, far and wide.

So let us honor these tiny friends,

For in their work, the world transcends,

With every drop of honey blends,

A taste of life that never ends.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P.O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill Tennessee 38578

(931) 881-7806

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