Friday Feature: Anne Harwell

Anne Harwell of Annechovie

 I  became aware of Anne Harwell during one of my marathon blog sessions, you know the kind where you start with one blog and it leads you to another and a few hours later you can't remember where you started:)  I came across a blog called Annechovie, it is such a charming blog I couldn't help but linger.  Anne's work is right up my alley she has a mix of fine art and Design.  She also has a tie with my favorite movie "It's Complicated" which made me even more fascinated--read below to find out her connection.

To see more of her work check out her blog or Etsy page

Anna Spiro Chair

  How did you get your start? 

I started painting at around 19 out of sheer boredom one cold Winter evening.  Things slowly evolved from there and I started selling some of my work in a home furnishings shop my parents owned in the Atlanta area. I started painting/blogging full time 5 years ago.

Bermuda Swirl Collage by Anne Harwell

 What’s your artist journey so far?

It's been an amazing experience. Having been self-taught, I don't have any formal classroom experience or training, so I've had to just learn by doing.  Life is 90% work and consistency in the mundane and about 10% inspiration and mountaintop moments. I remember painting a pastoral landscape in the early days that included sheep ....to this day, my brother jokingly calls it "Spuds Grazing" because the sheep were so "flat" they looked like potatoes. I have always been a very visual person and loved art supplies and art as far back as I can remember. Most rceently, the clients I've had and the connections I've made through blogging have been a tremendous boost to my career and provided huge inspiration and support.

Chinoiserie Chair on Color Steroids by Anne Harwell

 Where were you born?

I was born in Detroit, Michigan.

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

Probably either Palm Beach, Florida, Paris, or Barcelona.

Hoops by Anne Harwell

 What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

I am actually really enjoying breaking away from my years of realism and dabbling a bit more in abstracts of late. The freedom to focus on color is kind of liberating.

Could you talk about your artistic style

That's a bit difficult for me to answer, as I don't really exactly know how to label it.  I guess it's generally sort of colorful and eclectic, but based in realism.

Chanel No 5 by Anne Harwell

 How did you arrive at your current style?

It sort of just evolved over time through a sort of visual digestion of many styles I admire and then my natural bent thrown in.

Anne's art in It's Complicated.

Orange Chair Silhouette by Anne Harwell

Meryl Streeps, “It’s Complicated” is one of my favorite movies, I know your artwork is in the movie, that is so exciting!  How did that come about?

An assistant to Nancy Meyer's (the producer) set decorator contacted me through Etsy, saying that Nancy Meyers had specifically requested 2 prints of mine for an unnamed film shooting in Brooklyn at the time. She claimed her credit card wouldn't work with PayPal and she needed them overnighted. My first instinct was that she was scamming me and I almost ignored her, but I am very glad I didn't!

Red Chinoiserie on Black by Anne Harwell

 Do you have a favorite artist?  Who has been your biggest inspiration?

I have many favorite artists, but especially enjoy Mark Hampton, Bonnard and Matisse.

My biggest inspiration was my parents, because they both painted when I was young and encouraged me to try it. They have also been my biggest fans and supporters, even when I thought I had absolutely no talent.

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your well being/success as an artist?

My number one essential for well-being is my relationship with and daily dependance on Jesus Christ.  He gave me any gifts or talents I have and He keeps me sane, centered and at peace, even when things are most chaotic or difficult. ultimately I have confidence that He is in total control and loves me more than I can ever grasp, so, because of that, everything works together for my good, even at times when it looks like life's a disaster.

My family. They all mean the world to me and keep me grounded.

Good food, garlic and cooking.

Chocolate with sea salt.

Hot showers and clean towels.

My computer and printer.

Blogging and the internet and ETSY!

Georgetown Rowhouse by Anne Harwell

Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites?

I am not a loyalist to any one paint, but tend to use gouache and acrylics mostly, though I am experimenting with oils as well.  I love bright and saturated colors, especially, pinks, oranges, greens and blues.

Interior by Anne Harwell

 What are five things you would like to happen in your life in the next five years? Dream big here:)

Be an inspiration to others and live purposefully.

License more of my work.

Design fabrics.

Re-do a charming older home and work on some interior design for others.

Have a child or two.

Interior by Anne Harwell

 What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career?

Follow your instincts, work hard, be honest, and be KIND! Don't let others try to crush your style and be original. A bad original is still better than a good copy.

What is the best advice that you have received as an artist?

Don't give up!

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat?

Sunny beach every time!

Book or movie?

Depends on how tired my eyes are.....

Favorite author?

Oswald Chambers

Favorite movie?

Mid-August Lunch

Romance or comedy?

Comedy

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Ben & Jerry's Heath Bar Coffee Crunch - amazing stuff

Night owl or morning person?

Morning person

Cake or Cupcakes?

Cupcakes

***Update***  Sandra Busby has an interview with me on her blog today.  Stop by and check it out and stay around and check out her fabulous work:)  http://www.sketch-mad.com/2012/01/interview-with-carrie-waller.html?showComment=1326513207790#c6174224832050669634

**Just a reminder, I'm still taking entries for my 2nd blogiversary giveaway.  I'll announce the winner Monday.  To enter just leave a comment with your e-mail address so I can contact you:)

Carrie