Ann Lees ~ Artist
Born and raised in Cheshire, England, I was lucky to spend time at London University (majoring in French), in Paris and at Poitiers University, France, and three years in Madrid, Spain, soaking up the galleries and museums and art history of those cities. A love of the great works of art and a passion for nature and gardening have combined into my plein air painting.
I love to paint outside in nature, capturing the mood and light of the Carolina marshes, seascapes, shores and gardens. I paint en plein air in oils, and try to put onto canvas the beauty that I see: attempting to capture the fleeting moment, the ephemeral beauty of a garden, the light on water. It’s much harder painting outside than in the studio. You’re outdoors, and do battle with the heat, the wind, the bugs, the rain and the changing light. I love to feel I’m alone with nature. If you are at all successful, sometimes you can put into the painting, not just what you see, but the smells and sounds as well. Outside you paint quickly. You have to be spontaneous; capture, not a whole lot of detail, but the mood. I like to paint old forgotten buildings and rotting boats and things other people don’t pay attention to. I try to let the feeling of the place take over.
Raised in the North of England where there is much gray light, a Van Gogh exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery was my epiphany! I always wanted to paint in oils. I love the malleability, the richness and the smell of oil paint.
A more recent passion for life drawing has led me to work on the female form in pastels, watercolor and gouache.
Mainly a self-taught painter, I take as many workshops as I can with nationally known artists, and am fast becoming a workshop junkie!
My work can be seen at Airlie Gardens and FastFrame Gallery in Landfall Center near Wrightsville Beach, at Franklin Square Gallery in Southport and at ArtExposure in Hampstead. Shows and exhibits include Wilmington Art Association Shows, Art at the Arboretum, Art for the Masses, Associated Artists of Southport Shows, Arts By The Shore, Oak Island (First Place in Oil), Brunswick Arts Council Shows, Spadefish Gallery, and shows at Landfall.
I have been the Featured Artist at Montage Art and Design, Franklin Square Gallery and at FastFrame Gallery.
ANN LEES
624 Woodland Forest Court
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 791-4137
annfittonlees@yahoo.com
Make plans to join the OOPS artists as we move inside where it's warm for our annual January "Life Class" paint out. Our model this year is John Currie, who has graciously volunteered to sit for us... rumor has it that he may even bring his fiddle. The class will start precisely at 1pm (don't be late if you want a good spot) and end at 4pm. John will sit for approx 20 minute sessions with a 10 minute break every half hour. Someone will be there as early as noon to set up in case you want arrive early. This will be a great learning experience for us all as we hon our skills of observation and application. Hope to see you there!
WHAT ELSE: We are asking for a donation from the artists to give to the model, John Currie, who so graciously volunteered to be our model... rumor has it that he may even bring his fiddle!.jpg)
You Asked. We Listened. We’re Back.
Jean Wenner, founder and former Director of the Council for the Arts passed away December 14, 2010. She truly enriched her community and left a positive legacy in her memory. Her impact on Onslow County concerning the Arts is beyond measure as a pioneer with vision for the arts in our community. She was dedicated to her family and extended family of friends and artists. She opened doors and created many opportunities for countless local artists (myself and many OOPS artists included) who will forever be grateful for her dedication. She was an accomplished artist whose work crowns many collections throughout the country.
