About me:

• Has a BA in Art Studio from Mars Hill University.
• Studied Art Conservation at University of Madrid, Spain.
• Studied Mural Painting and Mural Conservation at International School of Mural Painting Miguel Farre, Barcelona, Spain.
• Lived in Asheville, NC since 1997
• Member of Asheville Area Arts Council and The Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League.
• Member of Asheville Gallery of Art, Asheville, NC 2017-2019
• Trackside Studios, River Arts District, Asheville, NC 2019-October 2020

Art Exhibits

• Mixed Media Art at Trackside Studios in the River Arts District, Asheville through October of 2020
• Mixed Media Art Exhibit at Asheville Gallery of Art through October 2019
•  Group exhibit at Red House Gallery in Black Mountain, NC May and June of 2018
• Group Exhibit at SVFAL “Power of Line” through December 2017
• Mixed Media Solo Exhibit at First Congregational United’s Gallery July 2017
• SVFAL New Members Showcase Group Exhibit March- April 2017
• Group exhibit at Monte Vista Hotel Contemporary Series February-April 2017
• Group Exhibit at Monte Vista Hotel Black Mountain, NC “Fabulous Fakes” November-December 2016
• Group Exhibit at Red House Gallery  “Autumn Glory” October-November 2016
• Solo “Abstract Paintings” Exhibit at Central United Gallery October-November 2016
• Exhibit at Woolworth Walk Featured Artist of the Month  January 2016
• Exhibit at MAHEC Educational Building  December-January  2016
• Exhibit at Rejavanation December – January 2016
• Solo Exhibit at Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park from January to April 16th, 2015.
• Group Exhibit at the Asheville Airport Art Gallery February 2015 thru June 2015.
• Painting Exhibit at Homegrown 2014.
• Painting Exhibit at Filo 2014
• Business Courses:  Building and Improving your Portfolio and Galleries 101 and Mixed Media Class.
• Display at Woolworth Walk Gallery downtown Asheville until 2017.
  

Artist Statement:

I can’t remember ever existing without loving art or identifying as an artist. Now, as a full time artist, it is my privilege to continue to evolve creatively. In my work, my painting process is becoming more reflective of my thought process. When I process ideas, I see them as layers of images rather than words, and as my thoughts become imagery, I feel more comfortable expressing myself through abstract form. Painting becomes a more meaningful way for me to communicate.

Mixed Media:

This latest series of mixed media painting came into fruition after spending many years working on very mathematical/geometric series. It evolved from geometric shapes to organic shapes found in nature. In this series I am more interested in representing the sense and feel of light in nature.  It is about exploring the sense of energy and movement that is unique to light traveling through air, water and objects in nature or a simple still life. Light is experienced  in an abstract, organic way and in realistic forms.

While experimenting with mixed media I began to paint koi fish paintings. I discovered that color, number of fish and even the direction in which they are swimming all have meaning in Japanese and Chinese cultures. I was fascinated and implemented some of these views into my paintings. My understanding of koi fish is in a very early stage but I continue to study it. Therefore, if I get something wrong, I apologize ahead of time and will try to become more informed as I dig deeper into this fascinating world of koi fish. I was originally motivated to paint koi fish simply for their beauty, play of light on water and the many layers of color. I hope you will enjoy this discovery with me.

The lemon series in mixed media is inspired by my travels to Italy and its abundance of lemons. Presently I have two of this series in my kitchen and every time I look at them it simply makes me feel happy. Hope it will bring a smile to you as well when you look at the lemon paintings.

Abstract Paintings:

This series of abstract paintings is inspired by the constant movement of our technologically driven lives and the challenge of finding resting places. This series is about the challenge of finding that balance, and about making a conscious choice to be present.

Contemporary Series:

This series of contemporary paintings is inspired by nature. These paintings explore the simple form of a leaf, or the colors of water and sky. I am also intrigued by the presence of mathematics in nature and the geometric shapes found there.

OTHER FAVORITE THINGS TO DO:

Traveling, reading, trying to learn Italian, and spending time with my family.

You can contact me at: artistana@gmail.com

©2014 Ana J. Blanton