Jean Bonnett(e). 

Multi-media Painter, Mostly Oils

Website: http://www.jeanbonnette.com

Email: jean@jeanbonnetart.com

After living most of my life in Ohio and California, I have recently moved to Arthurdale, West Virginia.  I grew up in Preston County and graduated from Morgantown High School.  After marriage, I lived in Ohio and raised a family.  In the 80’s, I moved to Washington State, then, to California.

In Lancaster, Ohio, I attended Ohio University in business and computer technology.  Throughout the years, I was employed by various corporate companies in administration.  While working as an office manager/art coordinator for a multimedia company, servicing publishers in Ohio, it rekindled my passion for the arts.  After moving to California and finding a welcoming artistic community, I pursued a second career in the arts, by enrolling in evening classes at Chabot College in Livermore, California. Later I graduated from DeAnza College, Cupertino, CA with dual degrees in Art History and Painting.

For many years, I have been an established painter in the San Francisco bay area, with membership in several galleries and art organizations.  Also, I have been a featured artist many times, participated in group showings, museums and juried art

My paintings are versatile with bold contrasts as well as subtle blends. I like to remain open to let the subject matter determine media and design, although oil has given me the freedom to blend color, apply thick or thin paint, and to affect a choice finish.  

Inspiration has been my motivation.  In doing portraits of people and animals, I tend to look for the spark that others see. Traveling has proven valuable in painting landscapes and finding perspective of place.  I do not have a favorite style or artist. My background in art history was for the story, and how each artist depicted his time.

As an established San Francisco, California Bay area artist I have been the recipient of numerous awards and honors in charcoal, pastel and oil. My paintings have been exhibited and purchased nationwide as well as portraitures of animals and people.