About the art: I paint landscapes, botanical pieces, and collage-inspired assemblages that are perennially influenced by nature. My work focuses on tranquility and contemplation, the passing seasons, and memories of places and events… depicting the silent story of harmonious settings, and reflecting a sense of hope and renewal.

For landscapes, when I begin a painting the focal point is often the sky, and the rest of the scene takes its cue from that mood and movement, evolving to find its own voice.  Patterns of light and shadow first emerge on the canvas as chords of color, then as the work progresses, objects take shape as land masses, ribbons of water, tree lines and clouds. I am moved by the power of simplicity, and when I paint a landscape I’m seeking to distill the piece down to its most essential forms, eliminating unnecessary details.

The pastoral scenery of my childhood, gentle fields rolling to meet the first hill of the Appalachians, remains a powerful visual memory. A sense of gratitude for the beauty of the natural world informs my work; and with it, I hope to reflect the peace and spiritual presence so tangible in nature.

I create in a variety of mediums and styles because I love the sense of exploration and discovery that producing art brings. The art includes painting, drawing, and graphic design, of coastlines and fields, plants and birds, and the textiles and decorative patterns found in various cultures and spiritual traditions. Sometimes these elements are intertwined in a piece, creating a sense of reconnecting to a particular moment in time– echoing the past, but seeking to evoke inspiration and joy in the present.

“Let the beauty we love be what we do.” -Rumi

 About the artist: Ann was raised in eastern Pennsylvania and in New York City. She was influenced by both the rural vistas of her childhood, and Manhattan’s vibrant art museums. She has lived in the Carolinas for many years, and often paints the local hills, fields and shorelines.

Ann began painting and drawing in early childhood, and exhibited her art during high school in the National Scholastic Arts program, yet initially considered art simply as a beloved hobby. She focused on business instead, earning bachelors and masters degrees with honors at Western Michigan University. Then she continued her studies, while her career has included project management, teaching, public relations, and media work. She was also fortunate to be able to create in the commercial arts field, through graphic design.

As a volunteer for historic preservation and land conservation efforts, the beauty and significance of those places profoundly influenced her art. Ann studied painting with talented professional artists, both through individual instruction and in workshops. Her art training also includes studio classwork at Moravian College in Pennsylvania. Among her artistic influences are Wolf Kahn, Edward Hopper, and Jasper Johns.