Ann J. Travis: Rediscovering Passion Through Nature and Art
Ann J. Travis, a self-taught artist based in Charlotte, North Carolina, traces her artistic journey back to a surprising source: a family trip to Disney's Animator's Studio. Oddly enough, it was that class where she rediscovered her love for creativity. Amidst raising kids and building a career in finance, she was experiencing burnout. Reconnecting with art reenergized her.
From those beginnings, Ann delved into drawing portraits before finding her true calling in painting. She started with acrylics but found her stride with oils. The buttery texture and blending capabilities drew her in, especially for botanicals and coastal scenes.
For Ann, art is not just about aesthetics—it's a means of fostering introspection and connection within society. Art is all about the pause. It prompts people to reconsider and feel, whether through a message or simply enjoyment. Nature serves as Ann's primary muse. Botanical patterns and coastal tranquility captivate her. The peace she feels in these environments translates into her work. Her artistic influences range from Monet's peaceful impressionism to Georgia O'Keeffe's bold interpretations. Contemporary artists like Carin Gerard, Kim Black, Julie Battisti, Kim Ahonoukoun, Ira Volkova, and Jenny Fusca also inspire her with their unique styles.
Reflecting on her journey, Ann highlights milestones that have propelled her art-making, like being selected for ArtPop 2024. "It's an honor to connect with the art community and see my work in such prominent places like Times Square! Being around creative people and connected to such a great community has been a real blessing. And what a thrill to see my work and that of my classmates in so many different places,” she enthuses. She adds, “My Spring Tulips piece was my submission and is my most memorable painting to date. I tried something new with the underpainting. Sometimes a painting just feels right, exactly how it was meant to be.”
When navigating through creative blocks, Ann says, "I’ve just learned to expect the ebbs and flows and try not to get too bogged down." She finds solace in nature's serenity. "Whether at the beach or in the mountains, being surrounded by nature sparks my creativity," she notes. "It's where I capture ideas and experiment with compositions.”
When asked about advice for aspiring artists, Ann emphasizes persistence and learning. She notes that with each painting, she learns something new and states that to grow, you just need to keep creating.
When discussing potential collaborations with any artist living or deceased, Ann said it would be Monet. She believes it would be fun to learn to create with a more impressionistic style. Occasionally, she has dabbled with this, but her innate style focuses on detail to the nth degree.
Looking ahead, Ann aims to expand her creative horizons while balancing her art with her career. Ultimately, she wants to immerse herself more deeply in the art community.
Regarding technological advancements in art, Ann remains curious about AI's potential impact. She muses that it will be interesting to see how it evolves.
Ann has been a member of the Guild of Charlotte Artists for about three years and looks to become more active and meet more artists. She adds that it’s always hard to balance the use of her creative energy. If left up to her, she would probably be a recluse with a cool coffee machine at a beach bungalow somewhere. But the connection with the art community has become so helpful and inspiring that she really wants to foster its growth.
For those eager to connect with Ann and explore her artwork, she invites them to visit her website and social media channels. She encourages everyone to "Let's talk!" Connect with Ann on socials @annjtravisart and check out her website www.annjtravisart.com.
This article encapsulates Ann J. Travis's artistic journey, focusing on her inspirations, creative process, and aspirations.