Ann fell in love with watercolor painting in the early 1980s when she returned to college to study art, design, and illustration, and she has drawn and painted since. A long career in commercial and architectural design kept her immersed in the arts, enhanced by visits to numerous galleries and the Art Institute of Chicago, where the Impressionists won her heart.
Many years spent camping and exploring the outdoors in Michigan and on the East Coast sharpened her observations of Nature’s moods. Now retired, Ann paints in watercolor because of its independent character. She lives full time up north, focusing her painting on her much-loved Northern Michigan.
Ann won the 2016 Mission Point Lighthouse Friends competition for the Lighthouse Pinot Grigio label – a fundraising joint venture between the Lighthouse Friends and Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and her art was selected as 2016’s feature poster and art for the Suttons Bay Art Festival. In 2018 Ann was honored to do the Twenty-five Year history mural at Bowers Harbor Vineyards, covering the wall of the Tasting Room.
Ann’s art is in a number of private collections, and she has displayed her art in many shows and events, as well as her permanent gallery venues at Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Tinker Studio.
Q&A With Ann Robinson:
1. Name three artists who inspire you and why.
This is the hardest question as there are many great artists that inspire me. But after deep thought, it would be Renoir for his Impressionist breakthroughs in the use of color and light; John Singer Sargent for his mastery of watercolor; and Linda Kemp for everything she taught me about the use and impact of negative space in painting.
2. What is the most essential thing in your studio?
There are many important things in my studio that contribute to my painting, but in thinking about this I realized the most essential thing in my studio is me. If I don't spend the time, nothing happens no matter how complete and inviting the tools and space may be.
3. What is your favorite studio playlist?
My favorite playlist is one we have created that has hundreds of selections ranging from classical music to jazz; from 60s, 70s, 80s pop/rock to New Age. The selections I play depend on the painting I'm working on. Sometimes I just shuffle the whole list!
4. Is Social Distancing impacting your creative practice?
Some - I'm actually spending more time in my studio painting! My art is a very personal voyage and I do most of it alone. I've stayed in touch with others via phone and Facetime. The hardest part is not spending time with my family.
5. Where's the first place you're going to paint once the Stay-at-Home order is lifted?
It's the same place I can paint right now - the stream and small lake located behind our home! I'm fortunate to be in the middle of a small natural area/conservancy that has a wealth of Plein Air painting opportunities. If the weather is warm enough, I can be out