Art by Anne Gilna

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About Art by Anne Gilna

Anne's paintings were created in watercolor, using a technique that required adding multiple layers of transparent paint. After transferring the pencil sketch onto Strathmore 3-ply Bristol board, she applied a thin, diluted layer of color over all surfaces to be painted. Gradually, more layers were added, creating more intense and accurate colors while avoiding too much saturation in the highlighted areas. Since it is not possible to apply light pigments over dark ones successfully with watercolor, she was careful to save the darkest tones and shadows for last. This also helps create the illusion of 3-dimensionality so essential in 2-dimensional art. Though her paintings are detailed, she felt that they retain a simplicity and “crispness”, and are never muddy or overworked.

Her subject matter consisted of birds and botanicals that are well known in our area. All of her original paintings were done life size, and she was careful to depict the birds (and an occasional butterfly) in their natural, familiar settings. She enjoyed choosing designs that represented all of the seasons of the year. Her goal as an artist was to achieve not just accuracy and an attractive design, but a connection with the viewer in each of her paintings.

The Online Pre-Sale for the 2022 Mother Earth Market will be available 9am, April 30 - 9pm, May 6. Visit the In Person Sale at Brushwood Center on May 7 & 8 for an even wider selection of items for sale, giveaways and discounts as well as a full schedule of activities and events!