Artist's Statement
In a world where it is easy to be overwhelmed by stress and materialism, what I would like to capture in every painting is a moment of pause. When you can look at a painting and be transposed from this world to somewhere more peaceful, it is a good thing. I think it is more important to capture the spirit of a place than to be totally consumed with a photographically accurate presentation. This makes painting much more interesting for me personally and hopefully draws the viewer to a special place when they see what I have created.
Certainly it is not always easy to transfer what's in my head to canvas, and part of that is the learning process. When you take what you have seen to the studio and then make something appear out of nowhere, it is truly magical. While I have learned to do some watercolor work, some pencil and even a couple of wall murals, I find oils are the most flexible, forgiving creative medium of all. Two very special teachers helped me begin this process, but I also feel that being largely self-taught has led me to be a closer observer. I am grateful to these ladies for unlocking a door that I thought might not ever be opened and helping me find my artistic self.
Oil painting is an amazing process that goes back centuries and yet is as fresh as tomorrow. It is a special privilege to live in the Southwest where colors are more vibrant, air is cleaner and there's grandeur most people could never begin to comprehend. If I can capture the spirit, the secret whisper of that beauty, then I count myself accomplished.
Artist Bio
Anne Littlewolf is a resident of Gunnison, CO, but is a New Mexican at heart, having lived most of her life there. She is a former History & English teach, a student of Native American culture, and an absolute horse nut! Occasionally training horses gives Anne a way to be grounded in the basics, but when its time to "finish" a trail horse, it's off to the mountains for a long ride throught the glorious Colorado Rockies. It's amazing what you can see from the back of a horse and most of it goes back to the studio and on to canvas. Anne has two (spoiled rotten!) horses, a cat and a wonderful new puppy who will be joining her on the rides this summer! If there is any success in her life, Anne attributes it to the incredible support of her trail partner, Deryl, as well as special friends Curtis, Marilyn and sister Barb.