Bonita M. Kostrzak

medium: painting

Click on the image to see the full version.

Last Customer 2008 Painting	First Ride 2008 Painting	Old Blue 2008 Painting
Country TLC 2007 Painting	Reclusive Nester 2007 Painting	A Farmer's Garden 2007 Painting
Autumn Rain 2007 Painting	Edge of Winter 2007 Painting	Silent Echoes 2006 Painting
Little Helper 2006 Painting

Contact information
PO Box 11
Ogdensburg, WI 54962
Phone Number: 920-244-7649
Email Address: bkost@wolfnet.net

Artist statement
I find inspiration in the opening colors of the day's dawning and in the soft shadows of dusk. I favor subjects that are comfortably familiar and timeless; especially those found in our vanishing rural landscapes. My work will take you to a back porch, a back yard or a back forty. My subjects range from vintage vehicles to farm yards and animals, to buildings with history, to birds and wildlife, to children and farm folks. I also enjoy florals and still life with a country flavor.

I spent the first eighteen years of my life on my family's farm just north of Waupaca, and this is where I find myself today. I live just down the road from my old homestead where my studio borders on the edge of beautiful woods and wetlands....perfect for an artist's habitat.

My style is simple. Most of my work is a soft nostalgic realism, flavored with a hint of mystery. I love to mix textures and edges and work in several layers or washes. I work with bright colors that create interest and “feel good” effects. I detail portions of my work with a lighter color(a signature of my style). I work with oil and acrylic, on canvas and on a variety of boards. I also make prints of my art and create my own greeting cards from my original paintings.

I am inspired by poetry, especially Wisconsin poets. Some of my statements on my work will
reflect a favorite passage. My passion, painting from my heart, will hopefully invite you to take a second look at a familiar
subject and capture a small part of your attention. It is my pleasure to present my art, a gift to any and all for your enjoyment.

Biography
Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Birth Place, Waupaca, Wis.

Recent Juried Exhibits:
Midwest Winter Show, Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, Wis.
Seven County Artist Exhibit, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum, Neenah, Wis.
Culture and Agriculture National Exhibit, New Visions Gallery, Marshfield, Wis. (Fifth year in this national juried show)

Recent Selected Fine Art Shows:
Colorama Fall Show at Reaching New Heights Gallery, Marshfield Clinic, Weston, Wis.
Rising Star Mill Fine Art Show, Nelsonville, Wis.
All Creatures Great & Small, Central Wisconsin Cultural Center, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Recent Awards/Recognitions:
Marshfield Clinic's Annual Artist Calendar Publication, 2007 and 2009
Waupaca Community Arts Board Design Contest, First Place Award, 2008
Wisconsin Visual Arts Guild Red, White, and Blue Show, Best of Show, 2008