Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Woods.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Some of my very first drawings as a child were of the family dog. My Mother encouraged me with a little set of finger paints, and as they say, the rest is history. Drawing and painting have brought me so much happiness throughout my life. Being an artist has taught me to observe the world more magically. After years of formal study, I have absorbed as much as I can about various mediums and have become more skilled and confident. I began doing landscapes, animals and still life, but when I had my first drawing session with live models, I was hooked and became obsessed with the human figure. I have concentrated on drawing figures for the last ten years, painting women exclusively, but sometimes I include animals, as in the case of my new series, entitled “Women and their Hares.”
Please tell us about your art.
I work mainly in charcoal, pencil, collage, and watercolor. To begin, I usually sketch out images with charcoal or pencil onto watercolor paper. When I work with live models, it’s important to draw interesting gestures or poses and incorporate unusual clothing or costumes depending on the message I wish to create. I also work from my imagination and often like to create whimsical pieces that tell a story. I am known for my paintings of women who convey a confident attitude. These women are often sassy, funny and independent. I’m inspired by women who are strong in character and fierce by nature. Viewers often say, “I’d know your gals anywhere. I love them because they make me smile and I always wonder what they’re up to.” Sometimes I might have been these women in another lifetime.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success is automatic when you love what you do. I can’t wait to get into my studio to create. Working at something you love is important to happiness on this earth. I think it’s also vital to be consistent. By that I mean, working daily, never giving up and always appreciating the surprises that appear, good and bad. Everything you draw is not going to be a masterpiece, but when you keep your attention on improving skills, good things are bound to happen sooner or later. Whether self-taught, taking classes or workshops, staying focused and doing what is interesting and fun is the key to success. I’m pleased after many years to have developed my style that viewers recognize and appreciate. I’m excited and proud to call myself an artist and wouldn’t want to do anything else. I try to stay humble, excited and grateful every day for this gift.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be seen locally at the San Diego Watercolor Society on a monthly basis. I am often in specific shows at galleries throughout the year and in many major competitive exhibitions throughout the country. All my latest showings are listed on my website, and many of my most recent paintings are included in my portfolio at my website. Comments and feedback from viewers are always welcome, and anyone interested can contact me if they wish to see originals at my studio in the Banker’s Hill area of San Diego near Balboa Park. I am a Signature member of the San Diego Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society and the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bonniewoods.com
- Phone: (619)296-8576
- Email: bonniewoodsart@gmail.com or studioseven11@juno.com
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