Artist of Texas Interview with Anne L. Hines
How old were you when you realized you were an “artist”?
In second grade I was the only child who could draw a fireplace.
The kids all said…"She's an artist" … but I could never used that term till midlife. In fact I still stumble sometimes when asked "What do I do?"
Who or what inspired you to make art in the beginning?
I believe it was instinctive to draw as a way to express myself.
My Uncle Roy recognized my talent and encouraged me. He sent me art supplies and art books and I sent him most all my drawings… None of which survive today except a self portrait at age 6 years. (See my website)
What is my art background:
Art classes in high school (and a great art teacher who believed in me;) Art history in college; studying art history at the University of Bologna, Italy, for a year; teaching art at all grade levels at a county school in Ohio: 2 years as illustrator for a book company; graduate degree in Environmental Design which led to a career in interior design; and finally the decision to embrace the artist within and "BE AN ARTIST" when my dying father said to me " you have always been an artist, go now and do that."
I then turned my interior design studio into an art studio.
What role do you feel an artist has in society?
Today I openly share that I am a professional artist and
encourage other folks to embrace whatever passions motivate them. I was not encouraged growing up to be an artist beyond the"hobby" role. Sadly Art school was not an option. Therefore it was in midlife that I finally had the confidence and courage to be who and what I am.
Do you have a vision or a reason for the art you create?
There are certain subjects that interest/affect me so I explore them through the process of making art. I am passionate about all aspects of the horse. Since I do not have horses now, my art keeps that passion alive in me. My current goal Is to create a body of work about our wild horses/mustangs that are being eradicated from our nation, not unlike how we nearly eliminated our Native Americans .
What part of you do you see in your artwork?
My love and knowledge of horses is evident. Horse images occur continually in my art. I prefer strong colors and bold images and I like to imply stories in
the compositions. My personality is also often bold and straightforward and I like telling stories in conversation
How do you know when your art if complete or finished?
Usually I know innately when the composition and color scheme works. Sometimes however I revisit a work and adjust an area of color or add line work. Yet often when I am tempted to do that, I tell myself…stop… that was then, this is now. Don't overwork it. Let it stand as it and use it to learn.
Today, who has had the greatest influence on your work?
And continue to inspire me today…
Still The Renaissance masters and today… all the artists who have the freedom and courage to use quick, bold brushstrokes and strong color with lots of movement.
Name three artists you would like to be compared to.
William Hook, our own David Forks, and Vincent Van Gogh.
What is your artistic medium of choice? Why?
Acrylic and watercolors… any water-based media; I cannot tolerate oil based products
What food, drink or song inspires you or gets your creative juices flowing?
Contemporary Christian music, a trip to Santa Fe or the southwest, and a good red wine
Has your art evolved or changed in the past ten years? If so, how?
I "let go" of my interior design career in early 2000s and totally embraced making art in a new studio with 40 some other artists. I visit galleries and museums often and glean all I can from computer videos. I am not at the level I want to be and will keep on till I get closer and closer.
What are your strengths and weakness?
My weakness is seeking perfection. My strength is knowing I cannot achieve it but keep trying to improve.
Do you have a favorite piece of art
See my own images of "Wildfire" and "Shall We Dance" in attached file.
Do you find the artistic Life lonely?
No! I am in a building with 40+ other artists many who are my friends and colleagues.
How do you counteract the solitude? I often seek solitude to focus and work hard to balance the social interaction with other artists. I also listen to the radio.
If you could picture yourself 5 or 10 years from now, where would you be and what would you be doing?
Making really good art in my studio. Perhaps being represented by a couple galleries and have a strong online presence. And being proud of my work.
My favorite TV shows are:
Downton Abbey, Gunsmoke and Justifed
What is the best piece of advice you could give to an artist just getting started?
Take all the workshops/classes you can afford; visit galleries, create or get involved with a small group of 2 or 3 other artists you admire and paint regularly with them and gently critique each other. Make art every day!
Find a well- organized art group and get involved.
Getting to know you Q&A
How long have you lived in Texas? I relocated to Texas from Ohio in 1973.
Where in Texas do you live now? Dallas, in the Oak Lawn area
What is your favorite restaurant in Texas? My husband's kitchen
What color is your bedroom? Light tan.
What book are you reading now? For Whom the Bell Tolls? By Ernest Hemingway
Do you have a favorite television show or movie? Downton Abbey, Gunsmoke and Justified
What is your favorite color? Red
What color do you avoid? beige
What are you most proud of in your life? Being able to embrace my talent and build a life around it.
What has been your most embarrassing moment? Being "kicked out" or "asked to leave" a formal dance class in jr. high school because I would not quit talking!
What jobs have you done other than being an artist? I am a Texas Registered Interior designer and had a 35 year career in commercial interior design. Earlier "teaching art at grade school, jr high, high school and college levels. I currently offer workshops in my studio and other venues.
Do you have a passion or hobby other than painting? What is it? Even though I do not own a horse now, I seek out any opportunity to be around or near them (including the mounted Dallas police) .
Who would you love to portray in mixed media or in paint? All the tv cowboys/cowgirls and their horses from the 1950s on up (it just occurred to me there is no reason why I cannot now do it!!??)
If you were stranded on the Texas Prairie and could only take three things, what would they be? A Bible, My husband who would save us; and a photo of my beloved buckskin horse Mr.Dillon.
If you could live anywhere in Texas, where would you live? The Hill Country
Share something with us that few people know about you. My family is descendant of Duncan Hines of Kentucky who created the first reference books of fine food in restaurants in America. Many still use the term: "recommended by Duncan Hines"
Name something you love and why. I love the act of painting because I can best express myself with this art form and I believe I am closest to God when doing this.
Describe yourself in one word. talented
What is the one thing you would like to be remembered As??
Anne the Artist