Songs of the Earth: Ode to Joy

The Songs of the Earth series features paintings inspired by spring. All winter, I painted large canvases, even on days when paint froze and light was dim. These works are filled with joy, color, delight in the Earth and all her beauty.

"Ode to Joy" from Songs of the Earth, Bonnie Joy Bardos, 48" x 60"

Poppies bloom, branches, vines, fruit, fiddlehead ferns and stalks of flower pods emerge. Lotuses spike from water, circles of life and line float. Bamboo shoots, bees, butterflies, birds, tree frogs, words appear magically. Some works feature Moon Hare and haloed birds. They're all connected: as we are--to Mother Earth. Themes of my long time love of Jungian symbology intertwine.

Thanks to a Regional Artist Project grant from the Arts Council of Henderson County, in cooperation with the North Carolina Arts Council (a division of the Dept. of Cultural Resources) and the Tryon Fine Arts Center, etc. I was able to purchase several 48" x 60" canvases for the series "Songs of the Earth". I hope the gratitude I feel for this and life shines through.

Waterfalls: New Painting

This is a painting of famous "Pearson's Falls" from a spring visit I made one chilly morning as wildflowers were beginning to bloom in the quiet glen. Blue sky overhead, there was such a sense of peace and beauty there. Area artists were asked to create an artwork featuring Pearson's Falls for a fundraiser event which will end August 10 at the Tryon Fine Art Center with a silent auction. I worked on this painting on and off for a long time, it evolved slowly into what you see now. Like the seasons, we do evolve and renew.

If you like a particular painting of mine, I will gladly work on one for you on commission! Over the years, I've done commissions for people who like my style of painting and just let me do my thing. Those are the best: I have artistic freedom and will work gladly with your favorite colors. The best of both worlds--win win!

The Landscape

This painting is one of a pair just completed. Other paintings, all large works on linen, just returned home from the Theatre Art Galleries High Point exhibit: it's nice to enjoy them all together once again. Hauling such large work is a task! Luckily, artist friends Bill and Anne Jameson of Saluda gave them a ride home--nothing like other artists to help out!

During May, I'll be on the Art Trek Tryon 2012 open studio tour on May 5 and 6 with about 35 other area artists: work from all artists will be on display at the Upstairs Artspace as well, until May 19. Please plan on enjoying this fun-filled weekend of art, artists, and studios! You'll also be able to see my sculpture and paintings at the Tryon Fine Arts Center garden/art event. Several gardens will be on tour as well as an indoor/outdoor art display at TFAC. A most lovely event and a fund-raiser to support a worthy arts organization.