The Journey of Nora Bonavera

Nora Bonavera, once an international catwalk and photographic model, has gracefully transitioned into a full-time artist, infusing Monaco’s cultural tapestry with her vibrant, emotion-driven work.

“I was about 18, on holiday at the Côte d’Azur, and we decided to spend the day in Monaco. I remember we stopped the car just off the highway and looked down on le Rocher. It felt truly special and I wondered what it would be like to live in such a beautiful place.”

Nora adds, “We spent the day roaming around Monaco, and it was glorious and I felt an inexplicable sense of peace.” It’s this sense of peace that eventually made Monaco her home.

Thanks to a modeling career that took her through Paris, Lake Como, and Cape Town, Nora’s life was constantly in motion. Yet her artistic side always lingered. “I always loved to draw and paint from when I was a small child. My transition from modelling to art was more a natural evolution from the fast paced, outside modelling world to a quiet, introspective soul discovery through my passion for art.”

She continued: “It was a natural progression as I started having children and my focus changed. It was lovely to have the time to paint, express myself, and be with my family. My children often played in my studio in the garden while I painted. There were also periods I didn’t do anything, life is all about balance.”

For Nora, “Art is the personal expression and interpretation of the artist’s unique perspective, emotions and experiences. The subject matter conveys a deeper meaning that resonates with the viewer on various levels, that’s why a painting is not just a visual representation, it evokes, provokes and inspires.” Emotions, movement, light, soul—these are the core ingredients of her expressive and luminous creations.

Flowers are more than motifs—they’re vessels of joy. “Flowers allow me to express my process in finding happiness. They bring happiness and joy,” she says with a smile. She also crafts “soul portraits” through meditation: “When I paint a soul portrait, I begin the process by meditating with or for the client. I translate the images I see and the emotions I feel during the meditation onto canvas. The result takes the client on a deep healing journey simply by looking at the painting.”

Nora explains her shift from watercolor to acrylics: “Initially, I used watercolors, but I found them too restrictive. I experimented a lot and discovered acrylics. Acrylic is a perfect medium for me because it dries quickly, and I’m quite impatient,” she laughs. Working on canvas or wooden panels, she appreciates the ability to return to her work with fresh eyes.

Meditation plays a central role in her creativity: “My inspiration comes from a variety of sources. Nature is of course, an important, ever-changing source… I meditate frequently, and that’s where it takes the shape I can develop on canvas. If I get stuck, I usually put the painting in a place where I can see it multiple times a day until it becomes clear to me on how to proceed.”

One piece that stands out is a self-portrait: “It’s not technically perfect, but very vulnerable. It marked the beginning of a new phase in my life, an uncovering of personal flaws, celebrating authenticity and emotional depth. I can see the insecurity in ‘trying to get it right’, but what came out was a truer reflection of myself. This turning point in my life and work and shows the transformative power of art as a means of self discovery, revealing the jewel within.”

On balancing creativity and discipline, Nora explains: “It’s a combination of discipline and inspiration. If there’s inspiration, discipline to work follows, but if there’s no inspiration, the discipline to work on anything every day eventually creates inspiration again. Meditation helps me to clear creative blocks. I had a realization… that all artists are essentially searching for their own truth… The journey of an artist is hard, but it’s also a beautiful and transformational path to rediscover our inner beauty.”

Discussing Monaco, Nora shares, “If I compare Monaco to other places… Monaco has a charm that’s hard to match… Another very important factor I cherish is the sense of safety… The compact nature of this city makes it easier to navigate and enjoy everything it has to offer…”

She appreciates the Principality’s thriving art scene: “Promoting art is essential… In Monaco, a lot has been done to promote art and artists… Here in Monaco, you can just go and truly immerse yourself in art.”

“It was a fantastic experience to exhibit together with other local artists in Monaco… I painted live and interacted with the public, it was a unique experience—people asked me about my process and artistic concept, and I really enjoyed it.”

Though modeling is behind her, Nora looks back fondly: “I really enjoyed it while I worked, but I don’t miss it anymore… Modeling is a completely different lifestyle compared to art. Being an artist offers me a more relaxing, enjoyable, and pleasant life.”

Her inspiration? Claude Monet: “He painted with color and freedom… I had a chance to visit Dolceacqua… It was a transformational moment for me to stand in front of the Ponte Vecchio bridge… Monet captured it so beautifully… people can still relate to that.”

From the heart, she shares a message: “Don’t overthink your career. Just start painting straight from the heart… Stay connected to yourself… That’s the most important thing… It’s about how you navigate life and relationships, while developing the confidence to believe in yourself.”

In 2025, Nora will exhibit in Monaco, the Netherlands, and return to the Art and Luxury Fair (26–28 September, Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo). She also plans to lead art workshops for those eager to explore their creative core.

Nora Bonavera’s path from international model to expressive artist is less about reinvention than rediscovery. Her art doesn’t just display beauty, it invites reflection, emotional connection, and joy. In her own words, every brushstroke reveals “the jewel within.”

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Read our exclusive, detailed interview with Nora Bonavera:
From Catwalk Model to Artist
International catwalk model Nora Bonavera rekindled her passion for art, transitioning into a full-time artist. She inspires not only with her elegant beauty but also with her spectacular art, which brings joy and happiness to all who encounter it.

Get a printed copy of the Spring 2025 edition of the Living in Monaco magazine.