Artist’s Bio
Nina Bonos lives the good life in Sonoma County, California, where her fertile world radiates with sunshine and abundance. She paints stylized wine-country landscapes and is internationally recognized for her Jewish-themed art. Her original watercolor and mixed-media images are adapted as large-scale wall art and banners; synagogue art; fine-art prints and note cards; book and magazine covers; clothing and accessories.
Since childhood, Nina focused on art and design. A cherished memory growing up in San Francisco was roaming the de Young Museum galleries during children’s art classes. This led her to earn a BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley in 1974. After a decade in city planning and architecture, she fully embraced her lifelong dream of becoming an artist.
Artist’s Statement
Creating art centers and defines me, connecting me with the natural world. In vibrant watercolors and mixed-media collages, I bring the local beauty outside my window to patrons and admirers around the world. I portray luscious botanicals and Seven Sacred Species (grapes, olives, figs, pomegranates, dates, wheat and barley).
Decades of meditation and prayer allow me to grasp the hidden meaning in the world around me, and my background in architecture trained my designer’s eye. My hands, heart and soul capture my creative vision.
I do more than observe nature -- I enter into a partnership with my plants. I feed and care for them, and they sustain and reward me. In my work, I strive to portray this sense of awe, peace and celebration.
Tree of Life 2, Watercolor, 15” x 22”
This is my most popular image. With roots underground, strong trunk and branches reaching upward, this tree is a metaphor for me. I feel very connected to the earth, my family history and spirituality. “It is a tree of life to those who grasp it” refers to the Torah, Judaism’s most important symbol.
Rosh Chodesh Women’s Gathering
Watercolor, 15” x 22"
In the yoga tree pose, I balance in sync with the world around me. I go on daily walks at dusk when changing sky colors represent all possibilities. The women, with outstretched arms reaching for the heavens, represent the four seasons.
Tikkun Sonoma, Watercolor, 11” x 15”
Tikkun Olam is a teaching about repairing the world -- primarily through social justice and environmental action. This watercolor is a healing symbol for individuals, society and the environment. The woman in this painting represents my artist’s life and me. Heart-shaped leaves symbolize my love going out into the world.