Meet Anne Proctor

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK RIGHT NOW?

My husband and I have had a lot of windshield time this year. I'm inspired by the beauty of the country. The mountains, the farms and the beaches...mostly southern road trips. You just have to look past the billboards! 

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PIECE IS FINISHED?

Oh gosh, do you ever really know? When I think I am finished, I put the piece on our mantle and "live with it." If something bothers me, it is not finished. 

IN ONLY A FEW WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

Impressionism. I love playing with color and light. I try to keep things as loose as possible with interesting brush strokes.

DID ANYTHING SHIFT OR SURPRISE YOU WHILE CREATING THIS COLLECTION?

I have worked very hard this year on improving my craft, and I feel it has really paid off. I am having so much fun! No shift or surprises, just a lifetime of learning. 

WHO ARE SOME ARTISTS (PAST OR PRESENT) WHO INFLUENCE OR INSPIRE YOU?

I had a teacher in Birmingham, John Lonergan. He introduced me to the works of Richard Schmid. When I grow up, I would love to paint like either of these men. I also love Kathie Odum. She tells wonderful stories with her work.  

WHAT MATERIALS OR TECHNIQUES DO YOU MOST ENJOY USING, AND WHY?

I love oils. They are so versatile, you can achieve so many different effects. Some of my tools include a palette knife, brayer and even an old credit card. They all move paint in interesting ways. 

STUDIO SOUNDTRACK: SILENCE, MUSIC, OR PODCASTS?

I love the oldies and 70's music. I'm a dancer at heart. Also enjoy a good podcast, "Criminal" is a go to.

COFFEE OR TEA WHILE YOU WORK?

I'm a water girl. Always trying to get my 8 glasses in.

WHAT’S ONE TOOL OR MATERIAL YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN THE STUDIO?

I love my proportional divider. It helps me keep things as accurate as possible. Sometimes, I will be having so much fun moving paint around, and I step back and realize things have gone "off the rails." My other helpful tools are my OnCloud walking shoes. I walk a lot when I paint. It is so important to step back.   

FINISH THIS SENTENCE: “ART IS…”

individual expression. Artists all bring different skills, experiences, and emotions to their craft.