Ann Marie Potts

Artist's Statement

Raised in the Midwest, Ann has a deep affection for the beauty of the seasons, the prairie, and most of all, the Rock River Valley that runs through Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The subjects of her paintings are floral, 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 as she begins to produce an image.

Ann and her husband, Terry, live in Sterling, Illinois. When the children began to leave home, Ann contemplated art as a new interest. She checked out library books on painting and drawing and 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 discovered that each medium functions in a different manner and that it would be necessary to know how they perform in order to produce a pleasing result. Watercolor became Ann's favorite medium.

While rendering images, Ann 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, she has discovered new perceptions and unintentionally found opportunities for personal growth. For example, a painting's "flaws" would trigger insecurity and self doubt; however, as she developed these "flaws", they became openings for new dimensions.

The adventure has provided occasions to meet others who enjoy painting, sewing, sculpting, photography, and other interests along with those who simply like to enjoy the end results. Consequently, Ann has discovered 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 41 years is my support, chief critic, body guard, gardener, chef and chauffeur. He mats and frames my work....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 is 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
• LeSage Memorial Award for Realistic Style 2005
• Nuts About Art Show Second Place Overall 2008
• Patron Purchase Award, Nuts About Art 2010

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

Recommendations

Photographer:

• AAA Photographic - 408 E Third St., Sterling, IL 61081
• Bob Logsdon Photography

Printers:

• AAA Photographic - 408 E Third St., Sterling, IL 61081
• Randy Orgeron at Color Simulatiion Service - 719 President St., Thibodaux, LA 70301

Framers & Framing Supplies:

• Frameworkes - (815) 288-2400 - 210 W First St., Dixon IL 61021
• Hayden Mat and Frame, Northwest Colorado Products - (970) 756-6288 - Hayden CO.

Gallery:

• Bonnie Kime Director of The Next Picture Show - 113 W First St., Dixon, Il 61021

Website Design:

• GravityFree - The Smart Business Web Agency