Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxine Bone.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maxine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a contemporary oil painter probably best known for my large, hyper-realistic portrayals of wildlife and landscapes. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe until relocating to the United States in 2004 after turmoil swept through the country. It was my childhood days of roaming around the Zambezi River and Mana Pools area where my love for wildlife and conservation began. My father and world-renowned artist, Craig Bone taught me all I know today. I would spend many childhood days standing behind his easel watching my Dad paint in awe. His effortless strokes compiled the most breathtaking paintings I had ever seen. I use those precious techniques learned and am forming my own style and presence in the art world. I now live in Colorado Springs, Colorado with my husband and two children. It is here in Colorado where I obtain many of my reference photographs for my paintings. I do my best to use this information to share my passion and love for wild areas and wildlife through my artwork.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road as an artist is certainly not a paved one. I was fortunate to have a world-renowned artist as a father who helped me get places in the art world at a young age. But even then, there would be very high highs and very low lows. Some months or years would go exceptionally well, whilst others may be very slow. For me it’s about the mindset of doing what I love because I get to do it, it’s knowing some months, I won’t make any sales but still finding the desire to sit down at my easel every day.
The advice I would give is to first figure out if art is the thing that drives your heart. There will definitely be tough days and months but pushing through those uncomfortable times makes the good times that much sweeter. If you’re deciding to start out as an artist, I’d recommend doing it part-time until you’re making enough sales or getting enough commissions to go full time.
Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am best known for my large, ultra-realistic depictions of wildlife and vast landscapes. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I obtained a massive appreciation for wildlife and wild areas. My earlier work was mostly African wildlife and scenery but since relocating to Colorado in 2010, I am starting to lean more towards the beautiful American West and Rocky Mountain wildlife.
I paint with oil paint on canvas, and also watercolors. As the paint meets canvas, I hope to inspire, evoke a sense of nostalgia and/or encourage people to seek a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us. When I spot young children standing in front of my paintings, scanning the canvas for the movement of brushstrokes, dissecting the layers, figuring out how that piece of work came about, it truly melts my heart. Reminds myself of a younger me. As a young woman in a field of mostly older men, I hope to inspire young girls and show them that anyone can succeed as an artist.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Ease into it, don’t go quitting your day job until you are selling enough to comfortably live off. Try to get some pieces of work into coffee shops and then galleries. It’s a tough market for artists to get into, but if you’re confident in your work and people are buying pieces it shouldn’t be a total uphill battle. Don’t let a ‘no’ hold you back, let it make you work harder.
Pricing:
- 36″ x 22″ piece would be around $5,500 with a frame – artwork can be seen locally at Raitman Galleries in Breckenridge, CO
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maxinebone.com
- Phone: 7206847362
- Email: maxineboneart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @maxineboneart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxineboneart/
Image Credit:
Maxine Bone LLC
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