Big Little Skies
Intimate paintings that pack a big punch of color and drama
These intimate paintings represent a little of the beauty experienced and captured on my i-phone this past year. Glowing skies seen from my window or walks along the beach. These moments of awe were welcome daily highlights during a time of uncertainty and isolation. A reminder that as each day passes there is an abundance of beauty to be found.
As I was scrolling through my camera roll, I noticed some resistance to look back on this past year. It has flown by whilst simultaneously feeling like slo-mo. I began 2020 in transition. Newly separated, I consolidated my home and studio in Westerly, a neighboring coastal town, in a new state, Rhode Island. After a successful studio moving sale I spent February unpacking boxes and settling in. Then the pandemic hit! and everything became unsettled again.
I rescueded a stray cat that had been roaming around my building and 'Winslow' became a much loved companion. I'm not sure who rescued who!
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Much of 2020 felt like a blur and the only real documentation of that time is my cameral roll, looking back I was reminded me of what a beautiful place I live in. The pandemic also provided an opportunity and permission to withdraw, regroup and rebuild.
Fast forward to spring of 2021. I was in a bit of a creative funk. So I decided to get back to basics working with the three primary colors. I took some small panels I had lying around and began to make a few paintings from my cameral roll with the intention of creative play. These panels happened to be the same aspect ratio as my I-phone. Hmmmm? I thought, that's interesting perhaps this could be a whole series. I needed more panels this size and they were hard to come by due to supply issues, so I let go of that restriction and worked in other sizes.
I’ve had so much fun painting them whilst also stepping out of my comfort zone, simplifying my palette, but expanding the range of colors mixed. Using an Alla Prima approach, I worked quickly letting go of accurately rendering the view in favor of capturing the energy and movement of the scene. Laying down paint with speed and confidence, honoring the integrity of the mark. This creates a seductive surface of luscious, juicy, and buttery textures that feel fresh and alive. They almost look edible!
Take a Closer Look at Through the Trees
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Set in a silver wood float frame, they feel like precious jewels, heirlooms to collect and treasure. I hope you enjoy them.
"In this new series of miniature explorations, Annie employs heaps of energy and buttery oil paint. She uses a palette knife as the vehicle—driving color and texture—whipping an intimate moment into what would appear to have been executed on a massive scale. No easy feat." - Shari Weschler, Coastal Contemporary Gallery
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