In an ideal world, Bonnie Marris would get out for a long horseback ride every day. Especially in the fall, when the trees around her northern Michigan home transition to brilliant yellow and reds, she would love to settle in for a daily ride. But it doesn’t always work out that way.
“I would feel too guilty,” Marris says, “because of the dogs. It’s too hard to bring them with, and I can’t seem to do much without them. I don’t know who has more separation anxiety—them, or me.”
That connection to her animals—she and her husband, landscape artist Woody Palmer, have a Belgian sheepdog, a collie and four horses—defines Marris almost as much as the artwork for which she’s known. Animals have always been her first love. In fact, if she had been any good at math, she might have pursued a career as a veterinarian rather than a wildlife artist.
Bonnie Marris (Michigan)
American Anthem
Oil
36″x48″
“The mustang is a true symbol of our country: courage, strength, freedom, power, and beauty. It’s these elusive qualities we, as Americans, live and die for.”
Bonnie Marris (Michigan)
Tsunami
Oil
36″x48″
“An immeasurable, heart-stopping power and force: a grizzly. I used the sun to add punch (not that a grizzly needs punch).”
