Bonnie-Leigh Jones

I am constantly delighted by the beauty of the natural world, and nowhere more so than right here where I live in the Northern Neck. We are surrounded by water, beaches, fields, farms, open space and the dazzling display nature provides every day. This inspires me. I see a painting around every corner!

The landscape is my primary subject matter, and my recent introduction to cold wax and oil has opened a whole new world of possibilities with this fun and exciting medium! I love its texture; I love the use of palette knives and other unconventional tools instead of brushes; I love working on panels, scraping off, adding in, mark making, the tug and pull of layering. Whether abstracted or representational, this medium allows me to paint loosely, expressively, joyfully.

While not formally trained in art school, I decided, after retiring and moving to White Stone in 2016, that this was the time to pursue my art in a focused and purposeful way. It was now or never! I am thankful to be part of the RAL Art Center and the supportive and enthusiastic group of creative people I have found here.