Ann O’Brien

Bio

Ann was born and raised in Connecticut. Although her formal education led her to a rewarding career as a registered nurse, she discovered a love for painting later in life. After starting a family and raising two children, she explored many art forms. Being a novice to painting and having a love for learning, she enrolled in a Trompe-l’oeil certificate program at Paier College of Art. She has been painting ever since and has had the opportunity to work with many talented artists throughout New England and Florida.

Ann developed a love for the beach at a young age as her vacations were centered around the beaches of Cape Cod and Rhode Island. Her inspiration comes from all things relating to nature and the beach. The water, sky, sand, rock formations, and even treasures like shells, sea glass, seaweed, and driftwood, it’s the memories and feelings of these that make their way into her paintings. Sometimes calm and peaceful, other times more turbulent and rough.

Artist Statement

I am an abstract, nonobjective painter. I work with acrylic paints and mixed media. After working with oils for some time, and then with pastels for many years, I decided to try acrylics and this has been my medium for many years now. Since working with acrylic paints, my style has also transitioned from representational to abstraction.

My process is spontaneous and intuitive, never starting with a set plan in mind. Usually, I begin with a limited color palette corresponding to my mood. The next step is the application of lots of marks, using many tools such as charcoal, graphite, pencils, and paint. This stage is playful and carefree. After that, many layers of paint are applied. I’m constantly responding to the needs of the painting. It’s an ebb and flow, much like the ocean. To bring the painting to a finish, my thoughts and actions are more deliberate as I work to resolve the needs of the painting.

My work reflects my attraction to nature and the beach. Lines, shapes, and textures all make their way into my paintings as an interpretation of what has been ingrained in my memories and the translation of the intense feelings I have associated with nature and the coastline.

My hope is that my art brings joy, curiosity, and wonder to the viewer.