Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Zahn Griffith

Hi Bonnie Zahn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

My art journey began at an early age of 5 when I declared to my parents that I was going to be an artist Having the advantage to being the child of parents who appreciated art made it seem an easy proclamation . My mother was a visual artist and father a musician who encouraged the artistic endeavors of a child. Even though I pursued a career in the medical world, art was always there with occasional exhibits both solo and group shows. In 2009 I took the opportunity to launch my art career full time and haven’t looked back. I approached this with a business plan and created a model that included fine art creations, teaching workshops in art and marketing the art. I was fortunate in being invited to join several galleries that have represented my work for years.
Over time I have experimented in a variety of mediums which I feel has been an integral part of my artistic growth. One of the pivotal points in my landscape work was to begin painting en plein air in those early days. I quickly learned that working in nature from real life allowed me to “see” so much more than using just reference photos, This has led to stronger paintings both in the field and in my studio work.
Today my work is shown in galleries in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Utah. I teach workshops in plein air technique, pastel painting, and mixed media. I mentor artists both online and in person. I do as much plein air work as possible and compete in numerous plein air competitions annually around the west.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

I can say the road has been met with some challenges but none that prevented me from continuing down this artists path. I think what makes getting around these “roadblocks” is having a game plan to start with and recognize there is most likely going to be something that goes a little sideways occasionally. Knowing what options you have make it easier when you an issue arise.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

My work is predominantly landscape driven art that is rendered in oil or pastel. It is impressionistic realism. My work offers my audience the opportunity to engage in the work and be the grounds for something they can resonate with and make it their story.
I am most proud of my students who have embraced my teaching and who have grew their art to be award winning and selling artists. My goal in teaching is to provide the platform for students to launch their own art careers and be as successful as they want to be. I recently was awarded the Mayor deWeerd’s award of excellence in Support of the Arts for the city of Meridian ID where I live and where I served for 7 years on and as chair of the Meridian Arts Commission.
What sets me apart from others? I am passionate about education in the arts and promotion of art programs and events for all. If I have the knowledge, I will share all I know to those who want to learn.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?

The biggest risk I took was to launch my art career. But by having a plan it didn’t feel like an insurmountable risk!
Take a risk but have a plan that you have thought through is my advice!

Contact Info:

• Website: HTTPS://www.bonniegriffith.com
• Instagram: @bonniezahngriffith
• Facebook: Bonnie Griffith Fine Art
• Youtube: Bonnie Griffith

Image Credits

All images are mine