“Atlas” – A Tribute to the Bee

“Atlas” – A Tribute to the Bee

Oil on 8x10 panel by David Ussery

In Atlas, I wanted to capture something both visually whimsical and deeply serious: the quiet burden carried by one of nature’s tiniest heroes. This 8x10 oil painting features a bee shouldering the Earth itself, a surreal nod to the myth of the Titan who held up the sky—but with a modern, ecological twist.

Bees are essential to the survival of countless species, including our own. They pollinate the plants that feed us, support biodiversity, and keep ecosystems humming along. Yet they’re under constant threat—from pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change. In this piece, the bee becomes a symbol of endurance and responsibility, dutifully carrying the weight of the world on its back.

The palette is rich and earthy—golden hues radiating warmth and light, with the deep blues and greens of the Earth contrasting against the bee’s textured, fuzzy form. There’s both struggle and grace in its stance, a sense of perseverance that I hope resonates with viewers.

Atlas is more than a painting—it’s a quiet plea for awareness and respect for the creatures doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

The original is available—reach out if you’d like to own this tribute to our planet’s unsung champion.