Artist Statement

I’ve always chosen the most picturesque locales from Carmel to Sausalito, CA. in which to reside. I’m now residing back in Carmel; an area that provides me with immense artistic inspiration.

After Art College in San Francisco (Academy Art University/ San Francisco * BFA- Illustration-), I furthered my education in Fine Art studies. Additionally, I studied Interior Design and Landscape Design; both of which I’ve held professional positions.  Twice a Gallery Art Director; for Martin Lawrence Galleries, and a Photographic Gallery in Sausalito.

My artistic pursuits started at age 4, replicating in detail, my Mother’s wall paintings, then moving on at a young age in grade school, to winning scientific drawing contests.  In high school – with no instruction in oil painting; I won my first art contest for a large oil painting depicting a California Mission, for the California History and Landmarks Art Talent Contest sponsored by the Native Daughters of the Golden West.  From there, to winning Art Scholarships in college.

My Illustration clients ranged from the Nature Company (Animal & Fauna Illustration), to Poster Design for Laguna Seca, Car Illustration for Volkswagen of America, NASCAR and Porsche (Car Illustration & Apparel Design), and Package Design & Illustration for the Beauty Industry.

Art in all its forms, has been my passion.  After a very accomplished Illustration career, eventually other artistic interests crept in.  That lead to Illustration taking a back seat to more lucrative paying positions, (all still “artistic” in nature) as an Account Executive (Santa Clara, & San Francisco), in the Design of Trade Show Exhibit properties, for large corporations.   I held positions in Interior Design, and owned Bonnie Sailer Landscape Design, in Sausalito, CA, designing large custom gardens in Tiburon, Mill Valley, and Sausalito.

Now, my time is fully devoted to the pursuit of Oil Painting.  My illustration career consisted of painting only in Watercolor, Gouache, and Dye, so oil was quite a change.

I notice that I hold a fascination for particular themes that I return to - over and over.  For me there is truly something magical about that mysterious halo of atmospheric light, the gas filled space between the Atmosphere and the Earth.  The air space amongst tree tops, swells of an ocean, and nuances of morning & evening light that bathe the landscape.  The suspension and drift of misty fog, the stillness of lily pads, and clouds floating in the water’s reflections.  In my work, I wish to share with you, and to bring to you, the gift of immersion - so that you may feel nuances of that light; feel the warmth, feel the fog.  Experience those atmospheric visions, and find a part of yourself within. I hope to lead you down an emotional - and maybe even spiritual path, which places you in the atmosphere that so inspires me.

-- Bonnie Sailer Fine Art Exhibition at the Pacific Grove Art Center --