The Art of Layers: Spotlight on Artist, Bonnie King
- Melissa Mitchell
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 2
June 26, 2025
Beyond the Surface—The Art of Layers
At first glance, Bonnie King’s paintings draw you in with their vibrant colors and bold textures. But spend a moment longer, and you’ll begin to notice something more—a depth that invites curiosity, wonder, and a closer look. That layered complexity isn’t by accident. It’s the result of decades of artistic exploration and a deep connection to the coastal world around her.
Bonnie’s journey as an artist spans nearly thirty years, beginning with a successful decorative painting business and evolving into her now-signature style that brings heavy-body acrylics and palette knives together in bold, dimensional expression. Her impasto technique—the rich, raised texture of her brush and knife strokes—gives each painting a tactile, sculptural quality. Her subjects often reflect the natural beauty of our coastal surroundings: birds, seascapes, and moments of vibrant stillness.
A New Direction: Encaustic Cyanotype
Bonnie is diving into new creative territory once again. She created and entered two works in the latest Incognito Show at Padre Island Art Gallery, and both sold on opening night—one of them, Wings and Wildflowers, was awarded 1st Place. What a way to start!
These pieces mark the beginning of her encaustic series and the art of layers, which blends cyanotype techniques with botanicals and spices, offering a unique and visually captivating approach to artmaking. She also incorporates chemical metal etching for an effect unlike anything else currently in the gallery. The works feel at once ancient and modern, delicate and strong. It’s a reminder that Bonnie isn’t just painting what she sees—she’s exploring how we experience art itself.
These new works will be arriving at the gallery soon, and they are truly a must-see in person. The textures, the layering, and the interplay of light and material are hard to capture in a photo—and they’re even more compelling when you hear her talk about the process behind them.
From Canvas to Classroom
As a self-taught artist, Bonnie has never stopped learning—or sharing. She now teaches palette knife painting to others, offering both technique and encouragement. Her ability to inspire shines through in every conversation, and you can see it in the students who walk away from her classes with a new sense of confidence and creative spark.
Bonnie’s talent extends beyond the canvas, too—her first-ever quilt even received an award at the Houston International Quilt Show. That same attention to texture and color follows her across every medium she touches.
Come See What’s New
We invite you to stop by Padre Island Art Gallery to view Bonnie’s work in person—and to experience the bold beauty that’s made her a standout in our creative community. Her newest series is one not to be missed.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the remaining pieces in the Incognito Art Show through Saturday, June 28. This unique exhibit supports Kaylee’s Light, helping to restock toys for children at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Artwork is available for purchase, with proceeds supporting this heartfelt cause.
The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at melissa@padreislandartgallery.com.
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