Anne Hempel specializes in nature-inspired, acrylic paintings on wood panels. She was influenced early on by her grandmother, an artist who encouraged her to be creative by supplying her with “real” artists’ tools and materials. Anne won an art contest as a child, which gave her the confidence to see herself as a budding artist. She has lived in Tallahassee, Florida most of her life and graduated from Florida State University. She taught elementary school and English in Japan before becoming a full-time artist.
“I live in a swampy, heavily wooded area in North Florida with trails and boardwalks leading to endless natural vignettes that offer inspiration. Sometimes I am struck with an idea for a painting while I’m taking a bath in our claw foot tub on the front porch. When I’m observing the behavior of birds, listening for the owls, or studying the silhouettes of branches, often I’m forming a painting in my mind. It may be a scene in a movie, a t-shirt, wall-paper or an invitation that steers the design of a new piece. I love painting on wood because of the unusual marks and striations that become a part of it. I enjoy building texture with acrylics, mixing glazes and layering to bring a painting alive. I interpret the world emotionally in color. I have a feeling of lightness, whimsy and pure joy when creating a new painting that I hope comes through to the viewer. ”
- Anne Hempel
The juried competitions and shows that Anne has participated in include:
- The Council on Cultural Arts-sponsored “Fine Art Exhibit” at Tallahassee’s Airport gallery featuring three artists
- LeMoyne’s “Art in the Park” Festival in Tallahassee
- “Art Walk” Festival in Apalachicola, Florida
- Temple Israel’s “Jewish Art Festival
- “Artopia” competition sponsored by Big Bend Cares
- “The Art of Organic” Art Show featuring Anne’s artwork exclusively, sponsored by The Space.
She was the featured artist for the Holy Comforter Episcopal School’s Gala and the featured artist for Cypress Restaurant’s “Artist Series.” The Ronald McDonald house, The Owl Cafe, and The Marinated Mushroom have commissioned artwork from Anne. She sells her work at Suzannz Down Under in Tallahassee and The Garden Shop in Apalachicola.
