"Inspiring Artist!" Ann Hair

Meet Painter Ann Hair…

Ann, It has been a pleasure to work side by side with you on several occasions. I am so excited to share your story here.

Please introduce yourself and your art a little bit.

Ann Krol Hair
www.annhair.com

I restarted my journey into painting 10 years ago. It was time to do something for myself after raising my daughter, teaching art and moving all over the country. I started taking painting lessons and it revealed itself as my passion. Since then, I’ve won a few awards, most notably, the cover of the Wilmington Home Builders Parade of Homes publication in 2007. I am honored to be one of the artists included in the book “Painting
North Carolina, Impressions en Pleinair”.

Where can people find you and your work?

My work can be found at Spectrum Gallery in Wilmington, Wade Designs in Rocky Mount, Churton St. Gallery in Hillsborough, on my website at www.annhair.com and on Facebook.

Finish this thought: For me art is…

a creative journey through life. I found out in high school that there was a creative urge nagging to get out. I explored my creativity in high school and college but upon graduation, I realized I needed to make a living. But, it was always there, bubbling under the surface. After careers in advertising, interior design and medical illustration, I took a creative break to raise my family. The past 10 years have been the most exciting part of that creative journey with travels to workshops, entering shows, winning a few awards, meeting fellow artists and traveling to paint in exotic locales.

What has been your process of getting to where you are now in your artistic career?

The past 10 years have been a creative exploration of different mediums, processes, learning, exploring and trial and error. Interacting with other artists has been invaluable in this journey. Sharing ideas about materials, processes, and critique is important for me to move forward. That’s why I love our pleinair group, PAINT NC. I’m
one of the founding members.

Can you talk a little bit about your experiences as an art teacher?

I didn’t teach art for many years. There were no jobs when I graduated so I went about the business of living. After 20 years, I was finally able to teach what I always wanted. Being a mom, made teaching elementary art most rewarding. Every one of the kids was like my own child. Once they knew I was a “Mom”, there was complete trust that I would lead them on a safe journey. Although retired, I continue to share the creative journey by teaching from my home studio.

You have an exciting new opportunity to teach next year in France. Tell us about it.

Next May, a fellow artist and I are taking a group to SW France to explore where art began. I was most touched by the prehistoric Caves of Lasceaux. It was an emotional experience and one I need to share with others. After all, it’s where art began.

What tips do you have for artists who are considering traveling out side of the country to paint?

The most sage piece of advice about traveling to paint either within the US or outside the country is to travel light. Limit your palette and condense your materials. If you can’t carry it, don’t take it.

Your beautiful paintings and desire to teach are inspiring! Who has inspired you?

I take my inspiration from contemporary master artists/colorists like Wolfe Kahn and the late Charles Sovek. I am most inspired by my fellow artists who are able to balance motherhood and creating what comes from their souls.

Are there any tips to living a creative life that you’d like to share?

Carve out time for yourself to express that creative urge. Never look back with regret and share yourself and your knowledge. There really is enough to go around.

Thank you for all of the GREAT advice Ann!!!

“Inspiring Artists!” will be an ongoing series. It will run as long as there are inspiring artists out there wanting to share their stories. If you are an artist and would like to participate please contact me at jhutchins@joyfulartsstudio.com. I would love to hear from you!!