My name is Tonny (Tonkona) Heideman. I was born and raised in mid western United States.  Personal and career choices led me to other southern states, and to subsequently travel to and purchase a home in the vibrant art community of San Miguel de Allende in 2006. Upon retirement I have divided most of my time between San Miguel de Allende and south coastal California.

Two of my life passions are art and travel. I appreciate that through art we are able to communicate feelings, moods, emotions, energy and beauty without words and it is also one way to break down literal and cultural borders.

My art reflects my love of the serendipitous way nature reaches out, the way our minds interpret the messages sent, and how we translate tranquility and simplicity in this world. I draw inspiration from real life (at times en plein air), from memories, and from referencing my own local and travel photography or photos from friends and family that I have been granted permission to use.

Most recently my concentration has been using oil as my painting medium, but I also have available works in watercolor, acrylic, cold wax and mixed media. My painting style can be semi-realistic, realistic, or lean toward impressionistic and abstract.

I am self-taught but have had the privilege of occasional instruction from artists such as Chris Kolupski, Peggi Krohl-Roberts, Michele Combs, Mary Hill, Robyn Child Cole, Mike Wildridge and others. I am a past member and exhibitor at Hopkins Center for the arts and my paintings can be found in private collections in Germany, Mexico and the United States.