Bob Bonn was born on May 5th in Hollywood, California. He now resides in Laguna Beach, California with his wife Maria and their two sons William and Nicholas. The son of a well known Laguna Beach artist Fred Bonn , Bob was raised with a solid appreciation for technique and color. Bob’s continued passion for art led his studies to Cal State Northridge and U.C. Santa Barbara. Upon graduation he continued his studies independently traveling throughout Europe for nine months where he further developed his appreciation for the ancient as well as the contemporary arts and artists in the museums and galleries. Bob created and refined his own style over the years. His ability to select an image and infuse it with bold design elements and raw color has given his presentations an original, dramatic flair. Bob’s art grabs your senses and immediately transports you into an imaginary world of brilliant, pure color. His paintings are populated by grinning cats, laughing dogs and a wonderful collection of other wild characters.
Education
Cal State University of Northridge, 1979 – 1981
Santa Barbara City College, 1981 – 1982
University of California, Santa Barbara, 1982 – 1984
PGraduated with honors, B.A. Fine Arts Degree
Traveled through Europe and studied art independently, 1984 – 1985
Exhibitions
UCSB Undergraduate Student Show, 1984
UCSB Undergraduate Show (UC sponsored), 1984
Villa Esperanza Art Showing, 1985
Conejo Valley Art Museum/ “Local Color Exhibition”, 1986
Westlake Art Guild Competition, 1986
PAwarded 2nd place in contemporary painting
The New Gallery, Santa Barbara, 1986 – 1987
Work appearance on Pacifica Community Television, 1987
6th & 7th Annual City of Thousand Oaks Art Competition, 1988 – 1989
PAwarded 1st place in 2D Abstract Painting
PAwarded City of Thousand Oaks Purchase Award
PAwarded Best of Show, 1988
Gallery Bianca, Santa Barbara, 1988 – 1989
City of Santa Barbara, Cabrillo Beach Art Show, 1989 – 1991
Los Angeles, Mozart Orchestra Art Benefit, C.G. Rein Gallery, 1989
Lincoln Center 40th Anniversary Poster Design, 1992
Old Town Los Gatos Poster Design, 1993
Martin Lawrence Gallery/ Museum Shop (cat and cow watch design), 1991 – 1993
La Quinta, Arts Festival (show T-Shirt design 1991), 1989 – 1997
Landmark Calendars “Desert Dancin”, 1996
Sawdust “Winter-fest” Poster Design, 1997
Sawdust “Summer-fest” T-Shirt Design, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2006
Millard Sheets Gallery “Grins” Los Angeles, 1997
Zarah Co. (jewelry design), 1996 – present
Leanin’ Tree (greeting cards), 1996 – present
Illustrated Book, Cooking with Baja Magic, 1998 – 2003
Tempe Mayor’s Award “Best of Show”, 1998
C. L. Davis & Associates Design/ Gallery, 2001
Scaredy Cat Hospital Logo Design, 2002
Stevens Linens Company, 2003
The Seventh Wonder Art Gallery, Grand Canyon, 2003
Arizona Pet Basket Co. Logo Design, 2004
CD Cover Designs *Mac Daddy and *Jeff Clark and Doug Agnew, 2004
City of Laguna Beach Summer Banner, 2004 & 2008
Project Skimboard 1 and 2 “Exhibitions at Gallery 51 and 7Degrees”, 2005 & 2006
La Cereza “Vaquero del Vino” Temecula Valley Winery label, 2006 & 2009
Sawdust Art Festival – documentary video “Aperture Films, Ltd.”, 2006
Joan Cawley Gallery Scottsdale, AZ, 2008-2009
Marcos Fine Art Publisher “ Cruise Ship Galleries”, 2007 & 2009