#Belikebonnie continues to inspire 3 years into COVID-19

COLUMBUS, Ohio — 1,077… and counting.

So many watercolor paintings Bonnie Bowen drawn since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago.

“I want people to feel happiness because I feel it,” she says. “Drawing something and having someone comment that they liked it, that it inspired them, or that it made them think for the day is very informative.”

Bonnie painted her first painting on April 1, 2020 to honor those who responded quickly when COVID-19 first appeared on the scene.

Then she drew wine girls. Then memories of childhood. She has drawn almost every day since she herself had COVID-19.

“The sun is somewhere. So we have to search and find,” she said.

Bonnie’s paintings mark a moment in time that we won’t soon forget. But also the faces of friends and famous people who helped her survive the pandemic. Bonnie says her favorite painting is called Light at the End of the Tunnel.

“Even in the dark, I think there’s always a light at the end of every tunnel,” she said.

Bowen’s art has been turned into everything from t-shirts to calendars, raising money for various and local nonprofits.

At the age of 93, and watching the hashtag #belikebonnie inspire hope in so many people around the world, Bonnie says she has no plans to stop painting anytime soon.

“As long as I can hold the brush. I will continue to paint,” she said with a smile.

You can follow Bonnie’s journey on Facebook by clicking here.

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