As a painter and printmaker, my work is the visual language in which I see the world. I have always been greatly affected by my natural surroundings and I am intrigued by the power they have over feelings and our sense of place. I gravitate to patterns and color relationships in nature, and my compositions initially unfold based on those elements. I strive to generate the striking color harmonies that I see, and the three dimensional light that plays over the surface of the landscape. I feel it is important to not only paint the subject, but the air between myself and the subject, creating a sense of atmosphere, space and feel.
Regardless of medium, I favor a glazing or layering technique, which produces rich vibrant color. I prefer to work in a “series” as it allows me to explore ideas more fully. My goal is to create something contemplative, reflective and celebratory for the viewer. Something as simply beautiful as the world I see around me.
- K. Bonnema Leslie
Kathy Bonnema Leslie, a Colorado native, makes her permanent home in Montana where she has maintained a studio since 1994. Her work has been exhibited in numerous one woman and group shows across the country. Selected juried exhibits include: The San Diego Watercolor Society International Exhibition, The Taos National Exhibit of American Watercolor, The Midwest Watercolor Society National Exhibition and Watercolor West National Exhibition. Select publications include 102 Artists of the Rocky Mountain West, and Painters of the Tetons. Leslie was awarded the University of Northern Colorado Visual Art Scholarship where she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Other honors include selection for presentation to the Governor of Colorado, finalist selected for exhibition by Artist Magazine, experimental category, and selected exhibitor with the Smithsonian ARTrain. Notable collectors include the State of Colorado, Colorado State University and Marin Community Medical Center, San Francisco.