Sumptuous color, fine detail, and a strong use of light and shadow bring the oils of artist Anne-Marie Zanetti to life. See more of this artist’s work by visiting her website.
My relatively short art career began when my youngest child started school in 2003 and I allowed myself the time and space for personal discovery. I was always creative as a child, but was not encouraged to pursue my art and unfortunately allowed life to dictate my journey until I took control. I am now a predominantly self-taught oil painter who loves and enjoys her chosen career and feels blessed to be able to paint every day.
As I have learned more about painting, I find I am drawn to traditional oil painting methods. I begin most pieces with a monochromatic underpainting (grisaille) and glazing is an important part of my process. I work on linen taped to a hard surface. Once the work is complete, usually several weeks later, the piece is stretched onto bars or framed.
My whole life I have been fascinated and intrigued by detail. Not only in a visual sense, but I also love to know the how and why of most things I encounter. Painting has given me a “voice” to express this personal experience of wonder and awe.
Choosing to paint highly realistic, large scale works centered on fruit is currently my way of investigating and articulating my interpretation of these subjects.
Vibrant colour, strong light and deep shadow help to enhance the drama and allow me to reveal the complex story of each subject. My hope is to inspire the viewer’s sense of intimacy, presence and awareness by revealing each work’s essence and beauty.
My emotions are a very important stimuli in my creative process. I find when I am creating I am more present to my immediate surroundings and my internal world.
I work hard to utilize my insights and emotional energy in my work in the hope of transforming my personal experiences into something positive and valuable.
Recently, during a time of considerable personal turmoil, I threw myself into painting my first smashed watermelon only to discover just how difficult and ambitious this subject would be. Once I had completed the last bit of detail, I was able to step back and see how my frustration, confusion and despair had come to fruition and inspired the rewarding and pleasing painting in front of me.
I currently exhibit my work in several galleries both here in Brisbane, Australia and in the United States. I am thoroughly committed to, and passionate about, living as a full-time artist. Painting for me is an incredibly peaceful and meditative way to spend my time.
I will continue to challenge myself in all areas of my work to gain better insight and understanding with the hope of creating paintings that capture the beauty I experience in the world.
Artist Anne-Marie Zanetti invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!
Her work is amazing! I thought some of these were photographs!
Wow Lana that’s a wonderful compliment thank you – I really enjoy taking the painting to a very realistic stage without losing its ‘soul’ in the process.