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Q&A – Questions and Artists – Bonnita Budysz

“Summer Respite,” oil on linen, by Bonnita Budysz

Bonnita Budysz is an internationally known artist and art instructor who has returned to her Wisconsin roots. Her paintings are done with brilliant color and bold brushstrokes in the Russian Impressionistic tradition. Her work, which has received numerous international awards, is shown at Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek and River Edge Galleries in Mishicot.

Budysz’s work has been featured in many art publications and she is a member of American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America, and the Pastel Society of the West Coast. She founded the ecologically sensitive painting group, “Waters Edge Artists” who are active in Door County. She and her husband live on 10 acres of beautiful Wisconsin countryside near Mishicot.

Randy Rasmussen (RR): What brought you back to northeastern Wisconsin?

Bonnita Budysz (BB): I’m originally from here and in the early days grew up in the south-of-Manitowoc Silver Creek area, moving to Francis Creek and attending Mishicot High School.

The ‘gypsy years’ started with Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, then five years in San Francisco and 18 years in the Los Angeles area of California. The beautiful environs and seasons in Wisconsin created a natural pull for this plein air artist to come home again!

RR: What do you remember about your first art class in your hometown of Manitowoc?

“Sunflower Surround,” oil on linen, by Bonnita Budysz

BB: I remember an artist friend of the Lyman family in Francis Creek reviewing/assessing my drawings (of primarily horses) when I was about nine years old. He had magical things to say about design, the power of line, and working from life as the best way to go.

RR: Did your family encourage your art interests as you grew up?

BB: Indeed they did! My dad worked in refrigeration at the Manitowoc Equipment Works Co., and would come home with these big grease pencils and huge sheets of newsprint packing papers. I was only 2 to 3 years old at the time, but my parents would spread the papers on the floor with me on top. Since I was already drawing/coloring everything, they figured this was better than graffitied walls!

RR: When did you know that you were going to be an artist?

BB: I think I’ve always known since early childhood that it not only felt natural to ‘make marks,’ but that there was magic and mystery, discovery and delight in the process.

RR: How would you describe your current work?

BB: My work is firmly entrenched in realism, with impressionistic overtones. I am definitely a colorist, as radiant, luminous qualities of color and light thrill me to no end!

“Amish Draft Horse,” oil on linen, by Bonnita Budysz

RR: How has your work evolved over the last 10 years?

BB: Two decades ago, I painted primarily in pastels and that has shifted to mostly oils over the past 10 years. My allegiance and addiction to painting outdoors in all weather/all conditions is now complete. In response to student’s concerns about going out in winter, I say “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

RR: What in your opinion makes a good painting?

BB: A good painting engages the viewer and makes you investigate and explore further. I like all kinds of art and isms, and whether avant-garde or abstract, impressionist or expressionist, I do believe that one recognizes a focused intention and purity of purpose.

RR: From a teaching perspective, what is the most common mistake you see your students making?

BB: I think having a preconceived, want-it-to-look-like-this attitude can be very discouraging to beginning artists. The creative process requires a flow and flex, the ability to adapt and change, and to respond to what is unfolding in-the-moment.

RR: What is the most interesting person you painted while being the portrait artist at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Francisco?

BB: Most definitely the wonderful ‘father of soul,’ Mr. James Brown. This was in the mid-70s and at the height of his fame, and since I love music, particularly jazz and soul, it was a hoot for me to have him pose for the approximately 45-minute pastel painting. He was so kind and conversational, so I asked him how he related so easily to the ‘common man’ (me!). He leaned forward and said, “Bonnita, I may be rich and famous, but I still eat chicken with my fingers.” Humor and soul, a classic combo!

RR: If you could pick one artist living or dead to paint with for a day, who would it be?

BB: It would be the great Spanish Impressionist from the late 1800s/early 1900s, Joaqhin Sorolla, whose extraordinary ability to capture the effects of light on location is revered by artists, collectors, aficionados everywhere.

RR: In your opinion, what is the future of art?

BB: I believe that there is a resurgence and growing appreciation in the art world, particularly with realism. The level of sophistication of seasoned collectors as well as the easy availability of knowledge to beginning collectors/interested persons is exciting. Folks who want to learn more about the different movements in art, what motivates the creative process, have at their fingertips with the Internet this wealth of possibilities to learn more, explore more. As an artist who is interested in not just making a living, but supremely committed to making a good life in art, these are stellar times!

To learn more about Budysz and view her work, stop by Edgewood Orchard Galleries, located at 4140 Peninsula Players Road in Fish Creek, visit http://www.edgewoodorchard.com or email [email protected].