Hey There!

I’m Bonnie, a self-taught artist from a small town in Virginia, near Shenandoah National Park. Despite a lifetime of being artsty, I didn’t commit to creating art intentionally until I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2018. Unable to keep teaching after a surgery, I resigned myself to the couch, propped up with pillows so I could draw on a clipboard; I doodled mindlessly but everything was always nature-themed. After a few weeks being home-bound, I was determined to begin a new chapter in my life, one full of intention, exploration and determination.

During this time I also learned how integral being outdoors is to my mental well-being. Unfortunately, melanoma is often caused by too much sun exposure, so I had to significantly decrease my time outside. So, it was only natural that my daily art practice began to reflect what I love the most—I painted or drew for hours, creating a natural world on paper that I could enjoy from the safety of my home.

Atlas Outpost is the culmination of pursuing my passions, learning to live a good life, and sharing the wonders of the natural world with people everywhere. I will always strive to inspire, create, and explore. I hope you’ll join me.

Whether you’re just stopping by, purchasing some art, joining a workshop or hike, may you leave with a little more appreciation for the world around us.

~Bonnie