Ann Marie Potts

Artist's Statement

Ann was born in South Dakota in August 1944. Her family moved to Rock Falls, where Ann's father worked at Northwestern Steel & Wire. In 1970, Ann married Terry Potts. They raised their children in Sterling.

When the children began to leave home, Ann contemplated becoming an artist. She checked out library boks on painting and drawing. Thinking she was ready to begin, she discovered that painting a picture was a complex undertaking. She explored the essentials that determine a "good" picture, such as composition and color theory. She also determined that each medium functions in a different manner and that it would be necessary to know these details in order to produce a pleasing result. Watercolor became Ann's favorite medium.

Raised in the Midwest, Ann has a deep affection for the beauty of the soybean and cornfields, the prairie, and most of all, the Rock River Valley that runs through Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The subjects of Ann's paintings are florals, landscapes, barns, and rivers. Ann finds that her pieces are triggered by the essence of a moment, a posture, texture or brilliant color. These bits and pieces will pique her interest in trying to reproduce an image.

In the process of portraying these attractions, Ann often turns out accidents that open doorways to new insights and directions. She feels the entire process is liberating. In the course of learning to paint, Ann has discovered new perceptions and unintentionally found opportunities for personal growth. For example, a painting's "flaws" would trigger insecurity and self-doubt. As she developed, these "flaws" became opportunities for new growth.

The adventure has provided occasions to meet others who enjoy painting, sewing, sculpting, photoraphy, and other interests along with those who simply like to enjoy the end results. Consequently Ann discovered that the supreme element of any sideline is in the sharing of time with others discussing techniques, new ideas, or perhaps the weather.

Ann's husband shares her interest in the arts which has introduced many new friends and experiences into their lives. She quotes, "My husband of 40 years is my support, chief critic, body guard, gardener, chef, and chauffeur. He mats and frames my work, and when I try too hard, he tells me to stop and start over. He encourages me to go bigger and better and when I fall apart, he gives me ice cream. He's awesome."

Ann Marie's drawings are published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. in 'Late Victorian Flow Blue and Other Ceramic Wares' by William Van Buskirk.

Among her awards are The Haymarket Guild of Artist's Honorable Mention, 2005 and 2006; The Phidian Purchase Award, 2005; The LeSage Memorial Award for Realistic Style 2005; Nuts About Art Show Award 2008 Second Place Overall.

Ann Marie Potts - Artist
Phone: 1-815-625-7872
E-mail: ann@annmariepotts.com