March Artist of the Month Bonnie Owen is committed to optimism.

In a world so full of stress and angst her art endeavors to relieve the viewer from the woes of the world and allow them space to breathe in the simple joys of life.

Owen focuses on moments of play, creativity and fun. She often used the naivete of children to allow us to experience a fleeting moment in a child’s life and to remember one in ours.

A native of Southern California, Owen studied art at both California Western University and the University of Hawaii, earning a Bachelor of Art degree in Fine Art.

After working in the hospitality industry for several years she went back to school to study digital illustration and graphic design at the University of San Diego.

Owen then founded JO Design. Her clients included several universities, corporations and online educational companies. Her work has been featured in magazines, online programs, and she has illustrated several books.

A painter at heart, Owen now works primarily in acrylic on canvas. Her latest project “The Way We Played” is a series of paintings based on the games children played before the internet.

Owen said she is grateful to family and friends for their inspiration and support.

Her work can be seen in galleries around San Diego and Orange County, on FineArtAmerica.com, and at: BonnieOwen.com.