About Bonnie

Bonnie Dawson sees the world through a lens of both wonder and understanding—a rare blend of artist, scientist, and nature’s advocate. Based in Oceanside, she brings California’s wild places to life with her art, capturing the secret rhythms of ponds, meadows, and gardens in every brushstroke.

With a background in environmental science and a passion for plant taxonomy, Bonnie is as comfortable mapping rare mosses with GPS as she is creating delicate illustrations of frogs and flowers. Her art springs from countless hours spent in the field, observing, learning, and protecting the ecosystems she loves. Whether leading ecological surveys, mentoring young scientists, or painting at the edge of a wetland, Bonnie’s work reflects a deep commitment to both beauty and truth.

For Bonnie, art is an act of conservation. Each piece invites viewers to slow down, notice the small miracles in the natural world, and see the quiet connections that bind all living things. Through Bonnie Rella, she shares her unique vision—one rooted in science, nurtured by art, and dedicated to inspiring others to cherish the earth as much as she does.

 

Bonnie Rella