Bonita Snellenberger

Following graduation from the Herron School of Art of Indiana University, I was an illustrator for design agencies and book publishers for a number of years. Today, my life’s journey is as a fine artist.

The natural world inspires me. Long walks through the hills and fields near my studio home in rural Indiana reveal rich sources for subject matter. The beauty and order I find in environmental surroundings, whether locally or on travel experiences in the USA and Europe, translates to the underlying abstract structure in my paintings, drawings and prints. While my art works are primarily representational, they are built upon a firm geometric foundation. The organization found within the natural and man-made world affects me profoundly, and I want my work to reflect it.

I especially enjoy painting plein air – just being on site to experience the feeling of the place. Each painting is a new adventure to share with the viewer. My favorite times to paint are early morning and late afternoon when the light, colors and shadows are the most dramatic.

On one hand, many of my art works are mixed media creations – the unified result of the interplay and interaction of the materials. On the other hand, in some works it seems appropriate to use only one medium – oils, acrylics, watercolor or pastels – to best express my ideas.

Artist Statement

The natural world inspires my work as a fine artist. The beauty and order I find in environmental surroundings translates to the underlying abstract structure in my paintings, drawings and prints.