The Elf Porcelain
$95.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
A gentlemanly rhino propped against a rich teal backdrop greets you with a sly, unexpected charm. The animal’s heavy, textured hide is rendered with a stippled, almost tactile finish that softens its monumental form and gives the face a quietly human presence—an eyebrowed gaze, a faint blush at the cheek, the slightest downturn at the mouth. That small, carefully placed wineglass of deep ruby by the horn becomes the piece’s punchline and point of intimacy: it’s not about the spectacle of the creature but the private, civilized moment it seems to savor. Warm, earthy tones sit against the cool blue field to create gentle contrast, while the close-up composition makes the rhino feel companionable rather than distant. Playful and affectionate, this canvas brings humor and personality without becoming cartoonish, offering a conversational focal point that lightens a room while still feeling artful and composed.
The Artwork
About Toast Of The Rhine
toast of the Rhine LIMITED EDITION CANVAS
Will Bullas’ enormously popular Food and Wine series is a playful tribute to the world of fine food and wine and the characters that inhabit it. He won Best of Show in 2007 from the Taster’s Guild International Label Competition for his painting the wine king--yes, a lion, in a tux, with a glass of cabernet!--used on Chateau Lafayette Reneau’s Roaring Red wine label. He has won the Past President’s Medal for distinguished work in watercolor from the American Watercolor Society, as well as their Mario Cooper/Dale Meyers Medal.
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
Product-specific details, edition information, provenance, and special considerations are shown here when applicable.
About the Collection
Blending humor with artistic mastery, whimsical wildlife paintings bring expressive animal characters to life with playful detail and wit. Each piece captures unique animal expressions through lighthearted watercolor art, combining storytelling with fine art to create imaginative and humorous scenes. With a distinctive approach to artistic realism, these quirky wildlife illustrations transform ordinary subjects into engaging, surreal animal compositions. From witty fine art to creative animal portraits, the combination of expressive brushwork and clever concepts results in a collection that is both visually captivating and full of charm. Whether featuring animal-themed fine art or humorous watercolor paintings, these works celebrate the joy and personality of wildlife with an unmistakable artistic twist.
Artist Signature
Signed by the artist
This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by Will Bullas.
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
Buy with confidence
Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
"Born in Ohio and raised in the Southwest, Will Bullas enrolled at Arizona
State University and was majoring in fine arts with a minor in dramatic arts
when he was drafted. In Vietnam, his first professional pieces were pencil
portraits of fellow soldiers, which were sent to loved ones back home.
Returning from military duty, he enrolled in the Brooks Institute of Fine Art
in Santa Barbara, California and graduated with a degree in oil painting. With
the encouragement of his wife, Claudia, he then quit his printing press job—
reproducing the work of other artists—and concentrated on his own art.
That was the beginning of a yearlong voyage across the Midwest and Southwest,
where Bullas sold his work to many appreciative art lovers. The couple settled
in Carmel, California, where Will's exclusive relationship with galleries
resulted in a growing group of dedicated, enthusiastic collectors.
Bullas' work now graces a wide range of popular products, including high
fashion t-shirts, note cards, coffee mugs and even 100% silk neckwear. His
books, a fool and his bunny... and a fool moon... have been published to
acclaim with an introductions by inveterate fans Clint Eastwood and Doris Day.
His vision has taken on further dimension as works of art in porcelain from
the Greenwich Workshop® Collection.
Will is illustrating his first book for young people titled, A is for ART, to
be released in the fall of 2006 by Sleeping Bear Press.
Will's awards include the Strathmore Award at the 1981 Rocky Mountain National
Watermedia Exhibition, the William G. Morrison Award from the Adirondacks
Exhibition of American Watercolors, the First Place Award at the 1990
Signature Membership Exhibition of the National Watercolor Society and the
California Watercolor Association's 1997 Silver Medal. He is a proud member of
the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society and the
Knickerbocker Artists of New York. In 2002, Will was awarded the prestigious
Dagmar Tribble Memorial Award by the American Watercolor Society.
Will continues to receive accolades not only for his original watercolors, but
for graphic design in packaging and poster work.
Will Bullas and his wife Claudia live and create in San Francisco. "
Personal Gallery Assistance
Questions before adding this piece to your collection?
We are happy to help with availability, shipping, edition details, or purchasing questions.