Bonnie Griffith

Meridian, Idaho | Pastel & Oil | Landscape

“From the ground up, painting the landscape from the heart.”

Bonnie Griffith is a landscape artist whose pastel and oil paintings celebrate the beauty, character, and spirit of the Western landscape. Whether working in her studio or painting en plein air, Griffith seeks to capture the intensity of light and atmosphere that can only be experienced firsthand in nature.

Her impressionistic approach is fueled by a love of rich color and expressive mark-making. She works in both dry pastel and oils and often uses a palette knife as her sole tool when painting in oil—particularly when working outdoors. Her goal is to create paintings that invite viewers to linger, explore, and discover their own story within the landscape.

Griffith’s connection to the West began early. Raised in an artistic family in Montana, she was encouraged to explore the arts from childhood. Growing up on her family’s ranch, riding horses and working the land provided an intimate introduction to the landscape and the people and animals who inhabit it. Today, she travels throughout the West participating in plein air events and teaching workshops.

Painting En Plein Air

For Griffith, the greatest draw of painting outdoors is “the visual intensity that one can only experience working live in nature.” That direct connection to the landscape allows her to respond to changing light, color, and atmosphere in real time.

Her paintings often include the familiar characters of the West—cattle, horses, cowhands, and other beings of the land. Ultimately, she hopes her work provides a foundation for viewers and collectors to create their own story within the painting.

A Few Highlights

Griffith is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, Pastel Society of the West Coast, and Northwest Pastel Society. Her work is represented by galleries in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington and can be found in private and corporate collections internationally.

Her honors include Best of Show at the Eagle Plein Air Festival in 2016, 2020, and 2023, Best of Show at the Wallowa Plein Air Festival in 2019 and 2025, and recognition at Painting Under the Big Sky in 2026. Her work has appeared in Plein Air Magazine, Art Connoisseur, and Pastel Journal.

Beyond the Easel

When asked about a favorite place to paint, Griffith admits there are too many to choose from—but she especially enjoys painting along the Boise River. And when inspiration calls from somewhere farther away, she’s always ready for a road trip.

Website: bonniegriffith.com
Instagram: @bonniezahngriffith
Facebook: Bonnie Griffith Fine Art