In the Collection of Lili Francuz

Lili Francuz with Out of the Ashes, 2010

Lili Francuz snagged Out of the Ashes from the spring show at Advanced Eyecare in Old Town Fort Collins.

"I'm very happy to be able to have your work in my collection! I know you did the piece before the fire....but what a coincidence," she wrote.

Lili is referring to the fire that took my home last fall. Luckily, my studio was elsewhere and most of my art was spared. Since then I have been blessed with several shows and interested collectors. Fort Collins has been good to me in my first year here.

Good things do come out of the ashes! Thanks Lili and all those who have made my transition back to Colorado marvelous.

BravelyCreative.com

Bonnie Lebesch with Evolution, 4'x14'

Bravely Creative is a brave new blog by talented Lynn Schweback. Lynn is an artist writer, and is following her passion of storytelling by creating this outlet for speaking bravely through one's art!

In a recent post, Lynn tells my story of discovering the healing effects of art. I am thrilled and a little humbled to share her words with you here. She gives a good background on how I came to do the work I do.

Thanks Lynn Schweback!

Studio Tour 2012

Bonnie Lebesch will be participating in this year's Studio Tour! The tour takes place all over the area in and nearby Fort Collins. Bonnie's studio is in Old Town and will be easily accessible for those visiting the numerous studios downtown. Parking is limited, so car pool and park in one of the downtown lots.

The Lincoln Center will host a pre-tour show at the Lincoln Center with participating artists from June 8-24 with a reception Friday June 15, 5-8 pm. It is free and open to the public, highly attended, and they throw a fabulous party! Don't miss it!

The Studio Tour is the following weekend, June 23-24th, 10-5 both days. All studios are open and free to the public. Stop by to look at the digs, attend art demonstrations, take a load off and enjoy some refreshments.

There may even be a raffle! Mark you calendars! More info @ www.fcgov.com/StudioTour

Guest Exhibitor at Rocky Mountain Innosphere

I have nine paintings on display at the Fort Collins offices of Innosphere on East Vine St. They have a fabulously new and Leed Gold Certified building that is a hub for entrepreneurial activities. With private office spaces and shared lab, conference, and outdoor spaces, it is the place to be! Their motto: Bring Your Vision... and so I did, in the form of paintings!

In a very special spot, Critical Mass is on display behind the reception area to greet guests as they arrive. Thanks to Ryan Spier and Kathy Bauer for your enthusiasm and assistance.

I will be arranging a private tour of the facility and my art. Contact me directly for more info.
-Bonnie Lebesch

New Piece, New Series

#113, not yet titled

I've long since abandoned the idea that I should, or that I'm even able, to paint paintings that look like the other paintings I've done before. It is a matter of practice that when I step into the studio, I open myself up to whatever may come through. And indeed, much does come through that surprises me.

And, with the interruptions in my painting practice this past fall, (due to losing my home to a fire), things are definitely coming out different than before. I would be shocked if they didn't.

With all this letting go of life, I've been letting go in the studio a lot more. This is a good thing, because it is making me rebuild a practice and find a new rhythm to my work. It opens me up to new discoveries, and allows the elements that are strong to stick around, and become even stronger.

This is how an artist grows their work. I firmly believe you have to brave the process of trying something new, even at the risk of failing or making a fool of yourself, in order to discover the really great work that is possible. Each and every time I get scared or hesitate in front of a painting, I hear "just keep going." And so I do.

This painting above is in the middle of the series I've been working on this winter. I've become obsessed with lines, the vein-like organic growths that populate my work more and more. I've also been enjoying the messiness of spontaneous paint. I truly cherish the moments when my hand spazzes out and I make a wild mark! These marks express something powerful coming through in the moment - an organic abstraction that has no words, but certainly cannot go unnoticed.

These paintings seem really powerful to me. In the series I can see life energy, chi, moving through, and getting more explicit and adventurous with each piece. The whole series will be on display at my studio during the Studio Tour in June.

Happy Friday- Bonnie Lebesch

Advanced Eyecare • Exhibition

Bonnie Lebesch is showing work at Advanced Eyecare in Old Town Fort Collins. In this exhibition Bonnie is showing works from the Allegories Collection.

162 South College Avenue, Fort Collins.

Corner of Oak Street

Open business hours

The Taste • Birdhouses and Plates Auction

On April 19 the TASTE of Fort Collins had their fundraiser complete with lots of fabulous food and drink, and items auctioned off. I had to miss it, (because I was in Belize teaching art workshops)... but I heard it was a smashing hit.

The birdhouses got a lot of attention, and I'm thrilled that mine did quite well. Here is my beauty, TWEET DREAMS, now with a new proud owner. 

This birdhouse was a lot of fun to paint. I wanted to capture the feel of the deep woods, with magical fairies and plant spirits, and some of the underwater landscape as well. What do you think? I know the new owner could not be more thrilled with her acquisition! It fits in nicely with her forest-inspired room.

cheers--

Bonnie Lebesch