Anna Porter Artist - Fine Art

Blog

Fine Artist and Photographer Anna Porter chosen as the October/November Featured Artist at Cascade Sotheby's Lake Oswego


Bluebird Rose of Sharon, digital photography on high gloss aluminum

Lake Oswego fine artist and photographer, Anna Porter of Anna Porter Artist has been chosen as the October/November Featured Artist at Cascade Sotheby's Lake Oswego. The Opening Reception for the artist's solo exhibit will be held on the Third Thursday, October 20, 2016 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM and is open to the public. The exhibit will feature the artist's works of art from nature, including her brilliant watercolor and acrylic paintings and photography from her beautiful gardens, Anna's Gardens, at her home studio in Lake Oswego, Oregon, as well as paintings and photography by the artist from other public gardens in Portland, Oregon, and favorite places throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

 

 

Recently, Anna Porter was one of the participating artists in the Lake Oswego Plein Air Paint Out from September 22-25, 2016.  An annual event sponsored by the Arts Council of Lake Oswego, local Lake Oswego artists paint outdoors "en plein air" at locations throughout the city. Three of her paintings from the event will appear in the Arts Council of Lake Oswego (http://artscouncillo.com)'s Lake Oswego Plein Air Exhibit at 510 Museum & ARTSpace, located at the corner of B Avenue and Second Street in Lake Oswego, Oregon from October 7, 2016 to October 28, 2016. 

 

Many of the artist's works recently were featured in her first showcase in the RAWArtists Portland Showcase VERVE at The Roseland Theater in Portland, Oregon on September 29, 2016. An active member of Oregon Society of Artists, Anna Porter's paintings and photography appear regularly in group exhibits in the Gallery at Oregon Society of Artists in Portland, Oregon, where her stunning abstract realism painting, In Full Bloom, won Best in Show at the 2015 Portland Rose Festival Art Show, and her beautiful ethereal painting, Harmony at Twilight won Honorable Mention at the 2016 Portland Rose Festival Art Show. 

 

 

Anna Porter is thrilled to have the first solo exhibit of her professional artistic career in Cascade Sotheby's beautiful offices in the city of Lake Oswego, Oregon, where Anna has resided with her artist husband, George Porter, for over 25 years, and where the couple raised their only daughter, Christina Lynn Porter, who is currently completing a Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado.

 

"I am so excited to be able to share my love of nature, and especially the images from my gardens at my home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where I truly feel blessed to have lived all these years. My hope is that my artwork will help people notice and appreciate the beauty that is all around us, and that they will experience the same sense of awe and tranquility that I do in nature. I hope they enjoy looking at my art as much as I did creating it." ~ Anna Porter

 

Known for her use of vivid colors and a high key palette in her paintings, and the ability to capture brilliant colors and details in her floral photography, the show is sure to brighten the grey days of late October and November frequently experienced here in the Portland area.

 

 

Anna Porter invites you to join her for the Opening Reception of her solo exhibit at Cascade Sotheby's, 310 North State Street, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM on Thursday, October 20, 2016. The exhibit continues through November 16, 2016 and is open to the public during normal business hours, Monday to Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

 

 

Read More


BUY ADVANCE TICKETS TO RAWArtists Portland VERVE ONLINE thru SEPT 28TH and SAVE


Buy Advance Tickets to RAWArtists Portland VERVE from Anna Porter Artist thru Sept 28th

I am pleased to announce that the Advance Ticket purchase deadline for RAWArtists Portland Showcase VERVE at The Roseland Theater on Sept 29th at 7:00PM has been  extended and you can buy tickets from Anna Porter Artist at http://rawartists.org/annaporterartist THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28th.

 

SAVE $5.00 OFF THE DOOR TICKET PRICE AND GET A FREE RAFFLE TICKET!

 

Save $5.00 off the door ticket price and get a free raffle ticket for a free limited edition fine art print by Anna Porter Artist WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE AT http://rawartists.org/annaporterartist BY SEPTEMBER 28th !

 

You could win a beautiful signed limited edition fine art print of one my artworks featured in the show! 

 

 

 

 

For more information, please check out my RAWArtists Profile at http://rawartists.org/annaporterartist. Use the BUY TICKETS button there to purchase tickets from me and then simply pick up your free reserved raffle ticket at my booth upstairs at The Roseland Theater, 8 NW Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR 97209 on Sept 29th and enter it in the drawing at the show!

 

Doors open at 7:00PM. 21+ ONLY PLEASE!

Read More


ANNA PORTER ARTIST AT RAWARTISTS PORTLAND SHOWCASE VERVE ON SEPT 29, 2016


Anna Porter Artist-RAWArtists Portland Showcase VERVE-September 29, 2016

Please join Anna Porter Artist at RAWArtists Portland Showcase VERVE on September 29, 2016!


PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS ON MY RAWARTISTS PROFILE PAGE AND SAVE at http://rawartists.org/annaporterartist!

 

 

Roseland Theater

8 NW 6th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

7:00PM TO 11:00PM 


RAWArtists Portland Showcase presents: VERVE 

  • Art
  • Film
  • Photography
  • Music
  • Performance Art
  • Fashion
  • Jewelry and Accessories
  • Hair/Makeup

Portland Artists from every genre under one roof for one night only!

 

PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS ON MY RAWARTISTS PROFILE PAGE at http://rawartists.org/annaporterartist

AND RECEIVE A FREE RAFFLE TICKET FOR A LIMITED EDITION FINE ART PRINT!


Advance Purchase Ticket Price: $15.00 plus $2.95 online fee

Door Ticket Price: $20.00

21+ Only Please

 

Your advance ticket purchase on my RAWArtists Profile helps support my participation in the show.

Everyone who purchases an advance ticket through my RAWArtists Profile will receive a free raffle ticket for a fine art print of one of my works featured in the show. Drop by my booth at the Showcase to fill out your free raffle ticket and enter it in the drawing.

 

Thank you kindly in advance for your support! It is going to be a fun evening and I am looking forward to seeing you at VERVE! 

 

Anna Porter

Fine Artist and Photographer

RAWArtists Portland Showcase VERVE

http://rawartists.org/annaporterartist

Contact Anna Porter Artist

Read More


Drift Creek Falls, watercolor by Anna Porter


Drift Creek Falls, watercolor by Anna Porter Artist

Drift Creek Falls, watercolor on 140 lb. cold press paper, 25" X 19" (framed dimensions), copyright ©2016 Anna Porter Artist,. 

 

Recently featured in the "Urban & Rural Landscapes" Exhibit at Oregon Society of Artists in December, 2015, Drift Creek Falls by Anna Porter is a contemporary abstract landscape in watercolor, painted by the artist in her signature palette of clear high key colors. The painting is now available for purchase on the artist's website here: http://annaporterartist.com/workszoom/2006341.

 

The 19" X 13" watercolor painting is matted with a white bevel cut single matte and professionally framed by the artist in a 3/4 inch dark cherry wood frame. Framed dimensions are 25" X 19". 

 

Price shown includes shipping in the continental United States. For shipments to Hawaii, Alaska and international orders, please contact the artist for a shipping quote. 

Read More


Works by Anna Porter included in Concordia University's Tribute to Oregon Society of Artists


Works by Anna Porter included in Concordia University's Tribute to Oregon Society of Artists

I am honored and thrilled to have some of my paintings and photography included in Concordia University’s Tribute to Oregon Society of Artists, January 17 to February 26, 2016, George R. White Library & Learning Center, 2800 NE Liberty Street, Portland, OR 97211. Please join us this Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 2PM to 4PM  for the Opening Reception. The exhibit and catered reception are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Many of the works on display are available for purchase, and 30% of the proceeds benefit Concordia University's Multicultural Arts & Events program. For more information, please contact Linda Church, [email protected], (503) 493-6370.

 

 

I have had the privilege of being a member of Oregon Society of Artists since 2012, and I show my work in the OSA Gallery at 2185 SW Park Place, Portland, OR 97205 on a regular basis in monthly group exhibits. Oregon Society of Artists is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the education and nurturing of talent in the arts. For more information about Oregon Society of Artists, or to apply for membership, please visit www.oregonsocietyofartists.com, drop by the OSA Gallery, email [email protected], or call (503) 228-0706. 

 

My hope is that my paintings and digital photography in Concordia University's "Tribute to Oregon Society of Artists" will help you notice and appreciate the beauty that is all around us, and that you, too, will experience the sense of awe and tranquility that I do in nature. I hope you enjoy looking at my art as much as I did creating it, and that you enjoy the show. 

Read More


Tribute to Oregon Society of Artists at Concordia University Opens January 17, 2016


Tribute to Oregon Society of Artists at Concordia University January 17-February 26, 2016

I am thrilled to be participating in the Tribute to Oregon Society of Artists Fine Art Exhibit in the George R. White Library and Learning Center at Concordia University located at 2800 NE Liberty Street, Portland, Oregon 97211. 

 

 

This exhibit features 2D and 3D art created by members of Oregon Society of Artists, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the education and nurturing of talent in the visual arts. 

 

Please join us for the Opening Reception of Tribute to Oregon Society of Artists on January 17, 2016, 2PM to 4PM in the George R. White Library and Learning Center at Concordia University. The exhibit and catered Opening Reception are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

 

30% of the proceeds from the sale of artwork benefit Concordia University's Multicultural Arts & Events Program. 

 

A few of my paintings featured in this exhibit include:

 

In Full Bloom, watercolor, Best in Show, 2015 Portland Rose Festival Art Show

 

Fiji Dreams, watercolor,  featured in "stirring the waters" by Colleen O'Sullivan, Tui Motu Interislands Magazine, September 2015 Issue

 

Double Peony, watercolor, featured on the poster for the 2013 Palouse Watercolor Socius Four State Juried Watercolor Competition

 

Self-Portrait, watercolor, 2005 William Dyas (Bill) Garnett Memorial Award, Portland Community College, North View Gallery

 

Also featured in this show are several paintings by fine artist George Porter from his recent solo exhibit "After the Masters: Light in the Landscape" at Stone Center, Inc., May-Nov 2015, as well as new works by the artist:

 

Luminism:

 

Hopi Village-Arizona, study by George Porter after Thomas Moran

 

Green River Cliffs of Wyoming, study by George Porter after Thomas Moran

 

Evening on the Seashore, study by George Porter after J. Hamilton

 

Impressionism:

 

Bridge at Argentuille, study by George Porter after Claude Monet

 

Lady Agnew of Lochnaw, study by George Porter after John Singer Sargent

 

Bouquet of Flowers, study by George Porter after Edouard Manet

 

Tribute to Oregon Society of Artists will be on display in the George R. White Library and Learning Center through February 26, 2016. Please contact Linda Church, Multicultural Arts & Events, Concordia University for more information.  


 

Read More


In Full Bloom by Anna Porter, Best in Show, 2015 Portland Rose Festival Art Show


In Full Bloom by Anna Porter, Best in Show, 2015 Portland Rose Festival Art Show

In Full Bloom, Best in Show, 2015 Portland Rose Festival Art Show, watercolor & Golden fluid acrylic on Arches 140 lb. hot press paper, 28 X 28 inches (framed), copyright ©2015 Anna Porter Artist (Website: https://www.annaporterartist.com, Instagram: @annaporterartist, Facebook: AnnaPorterArt, Pinterest: @annaporterart, Twitter: @annaporterart, Tumblr: annaporterartist, Fine Art America: annaporter).

 

So very thrilled that my painting, In Full Bloom, watercolor & Golden fluid acrylic on Arches 140 lb. hot press paper, 28 X 28 inches (framed) was accepted into the juried 2015 Portland Rose Festival Art Show, June 7th - July 10th, and won the Best in Show Award. I was extremely honored to accept this award on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at the Opening Reception for this venerable art show, that is held each year at Oregon Society of Artists (http://www.oregonsocietyofartists.com, Facebook: oregonsocietyofartists). Located at 2185 SW Park Place, Portland, Oregon 97205 (on the N.E. corner of St. Clair & Park Place), (503) 228-0706, the OSA Gallery is open to the public Monday to Saturday 1:00PM to 4:00PM (closed Sundays and holidays). This year the juror for the show was renowned sculptor and painter Geoffrey McCormack (http://www.mcsurf.com). The 2015 Portland Rose Festival Art Show is an officially sanctioned Rose Festival Event (Website: http://www.rosefestival.org , Instagram: @pdxrosefestival, Facebook: PortlandRoseFestival, Twitter: @PDXRoseFestival). 

 

This is a beautiful show, filled with award-winning paintings of Roses, Portland Scenes and Rose Festival Scenes, all part of the "Bloomin Good Time" theme. It is sure to delight everyone who enjoys fine art, flowers (especially roses), Portland and the many fun activities surrounding the annual Portland Rose Festival. The OSA Gallery is located just a couple of blocks below the entrance to Washington Park (Map It!), within walking distance to one of my favorite gardens in the city, the Portland International Rose Test Garden. I will be sitting the OSA Gallery in the afternoon on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 and I would love to see you there!

 

I love roses. They are my favorite flower. I love painting roses, photographing roses, and planting roses. I could not be happier to have my first Best in Show award be for my painting of this beautiful rose. To create this painting, I referenced an original photograph that I took of a beautiful pink rose, titled "Pink Rose Inside". As with most of my floral paintings, I am drawn to the abstract shapes and colors that I see in nature and in my photography. I drew the major lines in the flower lightly in pencil on Arches 140 lb. hot press paper, created an underpainting in washes of watercolor to capture the abstract shapes that caught my attention, and applied glazes of Golden fluid acrylic to intensify and bring out beautiful colors that appeal to me. I finished it with line details in both watercolor and Golden fluid acrylic. The painting is float mounted on an off-white matte and beautifully framed in a cherry-colored wood frame. Sincere thanks to Macadam Frame Central Portland (Website: http://framecentral.com, Facebook: Macadam Frame Central Portland) in John's Landing for the stunning job that they did custom framing this painting for me with a one day turnaround.

 

A limited edition print (giclee) of the original painting will be created at the end of the show, after July 10, 2015, and is available for purchase on my website HERE. 

 

Huge thanks to Oregon Society of Artists, the 2015 Portland Rose Festival Art Show, and juror Geoffrey McCormack, for this wonderful honor. 

Read More


A perfect idea of freedom and flight, watercolor and pastel pencil, by Anna Porter on display at Oregon Society of Artists Gallery, Dec 2014


A perfect idea of freedom and flight, watercolor and pastel pencil, copyright 2014 annaporterartist



"He was not bone and feather but a perfect idea of freedom and flight, limited by nothing at all" ~Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull A perfect idea of freedom and flight, view of Goat Island from Clackamette Park, watercolor and pastel pencil by Anna Porter Artist. This painting, begun en Plein Aire during the Plein Aire Painters Paint Willamette Falls Festival event in Oregon City, Oregon in October 2013, is now on display as part of the group show, Urban and Rural Landscapes at the Gallery at Oregon Society of Artists, 2185 SW Park Place, Portland, Oregon, 97205. Gallery hours are Monday to Saturday 1:00PM-4:00PM, closed Sundays and holidays. Show runs through January 9, 2015. Anna Porter will be available at the Gallery on the afternoon of January 8, 2015 to answer any questions that you may have about this painting, which was previously featured in a juried show at City Hall Gallery in Oregon City with other paintings from the Wllamette Falls Festival from December 2013 to April 2014. After January 9, 2015, "A perfect idea of freedom and flight" will be available for purchase on the artist's website at www.annaporterartist.com. For more information, please contact [email protected].

Read More


Anna Porter Artist at Oregon Society of Artists Gallery Oct 16-21-29


Gallery Open - Not Just Portraits and Figures Show at Oregon Society of Artists, photo above by @annaporterartist


I am sitting The Gallery at Oregon Society of Artists today. It is a beautiful day to get out and see some art and enjoy a stroll around this beautiful NW Portland neighborhood! Spend a little down time in our gallery and sunny garden! Not to be missed, the "Not Just Portraits and Figures" show runs through October 31, 2014. Gallery open Mon. to Sat. 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. 2185 SW Park Place, Portland, OR 97205. You can read my review of the show in my art blog at http ://annaporterartist.com/blog/82297/works-in-portraiture-by-anna-porter-on-display-at-oregon-society-of-artists-oct-2014 I have two portraits in the show and I will be sitting the gallery in the afternoons on October 16, 21 and 29, 2014. I would love to see you there! Drop by and see the show. You will be glad that you did!

Photo of Oregon Society of Artists gallery and gardens by Anna Porter, copyright 2014 @annaporterartist, iPhone5, edited in #Snapseed, layout in #fuzel @fuzelapp .

Read More


Recent Additions to my Landscape Paintings Collection


a perfect idea of freedom and flight, watercolor and pastel pencil

 

Recent additions to my Landscape Paintings Collection on my website include:

 

the gathering at sunset, 2013, watercolor

 

 

as the mist rises, 2013, watercolor and pastel pencil

 

 

mt hood from timberline lodge, 2005, watercolor

 

 

These three paintings recently appeared in the Landscapes-Urban and Rural show at the Gallery at Oregon Society of Artists for the month of December, 2013 and are now available for purchase on my website in my Landscape Paintings Collection. 

 

I love painting outdoors "en plein aire" in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I am happiest when surrounded by the beauty of nature, whether I am in the mountains, on the banks of a river, by the ocean, on vacation in a far-away place, or in my own artist gardens at my studio in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

 

In October, 2013, I had the pleasure of participating in the second annual Plein Aire Painters Paint Willamette Falls Festival event in Oregon City, OR, which is where I began my painting as the mist rises, 2013, watercolor and pastel pencil, shown above.

 

I was delighted to have another painting: a perfect idea of freedom and flight, watercolor and pastel pencil (shown above) and two photographs, willamette river reflections and duck parade on the beach  (See my Facebook Post), that I took on location in Clackamette Park, accepted into the exhibit sponsored by the Clackamas County Arts Alliance at the City Hall Gallery in Oregon City, OR.

 

This exhibit is on display from December, 2013 through April, 2014 and is open to the public for viewing by appointment. Please contact Oregon City Hall prior to arrival to confirm viewing dates and times. 

Read More


Purchase three Beautiful Prints by Anna Porter Artist at the OSA Gallery, October 2013


fall leaves-portland japanese gardens-orange maple leaves, 2005, canvas print

I am pleased to announce that I am participating in the October Fine Art, Photography and Print Show at Oregon Society of Artists, 2185 SW Park Place, Portland, OR 97205  for the month of October, 2013. In addition to the three prints shown here that are featured in the show, I have a canvas rack with an assortment of my original artwork, collector photography books, photography prints, canvas prints and fine art cards available for purchase. Now is your chance to get some great prices on amazing artwork by all of the participating artists in this month's show at the Gallery at OSA.

I will be sitting the OSA Gallery on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 and Saturday, October 26, 2013 and would love to see you in person then to answer any questions that you may have and to give you a private tour of all of the exceptional artwork on display this month. Show runs through November 1, 2013. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 1:00PM to 4:00PM. Closed Mondays and holidays.

fall leaves-portland japanese gardens-orange maple leaves 2005, canvas print, copyright 2013 annaporterartist

annasgardens-magnolia, 2011, canvas print, copyright 2013 annaporterartist

Abstract Rose in Fuschia, Yellow and Orange (A Rose by Any Other Name), 2013, acrylic print, copyright 2013 annaporterartist

Read More


Anna Porter will be at Oregon Society of Artists this Sunday 09-22-2013 1-4P to discuss her painting, Textural Plantings, in the 2013 Fall Juried Show


Textural Plantings, watercolor and watercolor crayon, copyright 2013 annaporterartist

Anna Porter, Fine Artist and Digital Photographer, will be sitting the Gallery at Oregon Society of Artists this Sunday, September, 22, 2013 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM! Meet the artist to view and discuss her painting, textural plantings, watercolor and watercolor crayon, and get a personal tour of all the beautiful artwork on display in the 2013 Fall Juried Show! Mark your calendar! 

Note from the Artist:

I am so thrilled and excited that my watercolor and watercolor crayon painting, textural plantings, was accepted into the 2013 Fall Juried Show at Oregon Society of Artists, 2185 S.W. Park Place, Portland, OR 97205. Gallery hours are Tues. to Sun. 1:00PM to 4:00PM (closed Mondays and holidays). Show runs from 09-08-2013 to 10-03-2013. Hope to see you this Sunday afternoon 09-22-2013! I am looking forward to meeting you at the Gallery at Oregon Society of Artists, where I will be available to discuss my painting in more detail and answer any questions that you may have. I am also delighted to be able to give you a personal tour of all the beautiful artwork on display in this year's 2013 Fall Juried Show at OSA! Don't miss it! 

This original painting is available for purchase $500.00 USD. Contact [email protected] for more information.

A poster for the painting is available for purchase in my Instacanv.as Gallery here:

http://instacanv.as/annaporterartist/piece/538769493010568782_33853476

Anna Porter

Anna Porter Artist

Fine Art and Digital Photography

email: [email protected]

website: http://annaporterartist.com

prints: http://instacanv.as/annaporterartist

facebook: https://facebook.com/AnnaPorterArt

instagram: http://instagram.com/annaporterartist

pinterest: http://pinterest.com/AnnaPorterArt

twitter: http://twitter.com/AnnaPorterArt

art blog: http://annaporterartist.com/blog

photography blog: http://annaporterartist.tumblr.com

Read More


Painting Winter's Light


Winter’s Light, acryla gouache on canvas

Lessons Learned Painting the Colors of Winter

in a workshop by Nancy Smith Klos at Klos Studios

By Anna Porter Artist

When Nancy Smith Klos at Klos Studios posted a flyer at Oregon Society of Artists earlier this year announcing a new workshop that focused on painting the colors of winter, I jumped at the opportunity. Long a fan of Claude Monet’s beautiful and subtle winter scenes, I was thrilled to learn that one of the paintings that we would be studying in the workshop in order to analyze the colors of winter was his famous La Pie (The Magpie).

I am the kind of artist that likes to jump in and start painting, so Nancy’s approach to having us first do a color wheel and mix together all of the complementary colors was, well, I have to admit, a little annoying at the time. But I am glad that I did it! Nancy knew something important about the colors of winter — that mixing complementary colors produces a vast array of beautiful neutrals that are very helpful when painting winter scenes.


To create our palettes, Nancy introduced us to a new medium for me, acryla gouache. That’s right! An acrylic and gouache polymer emulsion made by Holbein. In art school I had learned that acrylic and gouache don’t mix particularly well, but apparently Holbein did not get that lesson. This medium mixes well, has less of the margarine-y feel of acrylic that I hate, and DRIES FAST, so you have to WORK FAST! I usually paint slow as a snail so I knew this definitely was going to be a challenge! Nancy had us work from a 12 color Holbein set of acryla gouache. We began by mixing our primary red, primary yellow and primary blue (the set has a warm and cool red in it which we used to mix a primary red and so on). From there we mixed our secondary colors and one color in between each, which we arranged on a standard color wheel. Then the fun began! We mixed the opposite colors on the color wheel in varying degrees to come up with a beautiful array of neutrals.


I loved the next exercise! We looked at photos of winter scenes painted by Claude Monet, Childe Hassam, and Albert Bierstadt (among others) and selected one for a quick study. I selected Snow Impressionism (Fig. 1 below), a photo of a section of La Pie (The Magpie) by Claude Monet that Nancy provided. I referenced it and the color wheel that I had created the day before to create my palette.

 

 

To mix a winter palette that closely represented the colors that I saw in the reference photo, I created a dark by blending my primary red with my secondary green (both mixed from the colors in the Holbein set). To this color, I added white to create lighter versions of this dark, and Payne’s Grey to create my darkest dark. I used this same process, adding Titanium White or Jet Black (provided in the set) or Payne’s Grey (provided by Nancy) to each of the primary colors and complementary color mixes that I had learned how to create in the previous workshop session, to come up with a palette that closely matched the colors that I saw in the reference photo (See my palette in Fig. 3 above). I painted a daub of each color on note paper and made some cryptic notes beside each stating how I had arrived at it. (Note to self - be a little less cryptic and a little more organized next time!) 

That done, I did a quick painted sketch of a section of La Pie (The Magpie) from the reference photo (Fig. 1 above). And I mean quick - that paint was drying fast! I was pleased with the outcome (See Fig. 2 above), even though it was a little too pinkish in the snow (but then I do tend to see the world through rose colored glasses) and my Magpie obviously had been dining a little too well compared to Monet’s graceful bird! While I had not replicated the photo or Monet’s beautiful painting exactly, I had learned how to mix most of the colors. I was excited and looking forward to the next session of the workshop.

For the home stretch, Nancy had us bring in a photo of our own choosing for our final painting. I selected a lovely photo of my artist gardens from my Winter 2008 photography book that I had created for my family and published myself using Apple iPhoto and publishing services.

“In December, 2008 we had an unusual and plentiful snowfall in the Portland, OR area that lasted for two weeks instead of the usual two days, and I thought that this would be a great subject for my painting.”

 Anna Porter Artist

I sketched in the major elements by gridding the photo (Upper Left and Right in Fig. 4 below), then set about mixing my colors. I used some of the colors that I had learned from the Monet study in the workshop and created some new colors on the fly. I was only about half-finished my painting by the end of the workshop (Lower Right in Fig. 4 below), but felt confident that I had learned the necessary skills to finish it in my home studio.

I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop by Nancy Smith Klos and highly recommend that you check out her upcoming workshops at Klos Studios and watch for her announcements in the Brushmarks newsletter published by Oregon Society of Artists. Nancy excels at breaking down a complex process into easily understood bite-size morsels and provides great feedback and individual attention along the way. She recently opened a new studio in Southeast Portland and will be having an open house there on August 22, 2013 5-8PM.

I will be sitting the gallery at Oregon Society of Artists on August 15, 2013 from1-4PM and I would love to give you a personal tour of all of the paintings on display in the Student-Teacher show, and talk to you more in person about my painting. The gallery is located at 2185 S.W. Park Place, Portland, OR 97205 and viewing hours are Tuesday to Sunday 1-4PM, except holidays. Call (503) 228-0706 for information.

You can download a copy of this blog post in PDF format here.

Anna Porter Artist

Fine Art & Digital Photography

Visit my Website!

Sign up for my Blog!

Like Anna Porter Art on Facebook!

Follow my Pins on Pinterest!

Get my Tweets!

Follow Anna Porter Artist on LinkedIn!

Contact me!

Read More


double peony, watercolor by Anna Porter Artist is on display at The Prichard Art Gallery, Moscow, ID


double peony, an original watercolor painting by Anna Porter Artist

Previously shown at the Oregon Society of Artists Gallery for the month of December, 2012 as part of the group show Works on Paper, I am pleased to announce and honored that my painting, double peony has been accepted into the Palouse Watercolor Socius 2013 juried four-state watercolor competition held at the University of Idaho Prichard Art Gallery (gallery shown top right in the photo below), where it is available for purchase. One of 36 watercolor paintings submitted by artists from Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana, double peony can be viewed at the Prichard Art Gallery from June 13, 2013 through August 3, 2013.

 

Gallery Hours:

Regular Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 10am-6pm
Summer Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 1pm-6pm; Friday 1pm-7pm; Saturdays 9am-3pm

 

This painting is also featured on the poster for the show shown below:

 


 

A little more about the inspiration for this painting:

 

Every year I wait for this beautiful red double peony to bloom in my garden. It arrives by late April or early May and never ceases to amaze me with its vibrant color, the size of its blossoms, fully 6 inches in diameter, and the beautiful frilly petals that, when fully opened, allow me to peek inside. I began the painting of  double peony in 2011 "en plein aire" in my garden and finished it in my studio from several photographic studies that I did of it when it first bloomed in 2003. It remains as vibrant in my garden in 2013 as it did then. I painted the background first - lightly sketching the abstract shapes to represent the leaves, then I applied water to the blue areas and dropped in different mixtures of deep blue, letting the colors mingle to create depth and variety. I painted some of the leaves wet in wet and others I painted individually with light washes of pastel color, leaving white space as needed. Finally I painted the abstract shapes inside each petal of the double peony by layering different hues of pink, red and magenta to accentuate the vibrancy of the peony. To create focus at the center, I built up dots of pure watercolor applied with very little water, leaving bits of white.

 

This painting stands out in a crowd and draws your attention. Its vibrant color, contemporary style and elegant black frame and white matte give modern feel to a natural painting. It is one of my favorite paintings that I have done thus far in my career. For more information, please contact The Prichard Art Gallery directly through August 3, 2013:

 

Roger H.D. Rowley
Director, Prichard Art Gallery

phone: (208) 885-3586
email:[email protected]

 

After the exhibit, you can view my original painting double peony watercolor framed on my website.

 

 

Read More


Three Paintings by Anna Porter Artist on display at OSA Gallery February 2013


Three Paintings by Anna Porter Artist, digital collage, 2013

Three paintings by Anna Porter Artist will be on display in the Gallery at Oregon Society of Artists at 2185 S.W. Park Place, Portland, OR 97205 for the month of February, 2013 as part of the Group Show titled Birds and Animals. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

 

I will be sitting the OSA Gallery on Thursday, February 7, 2013 and I would love to give you a private tour. There are some superb paintings in this new show. Some of my personal favorites include two lovely watercolors of birds by artist Lynda Raven Brake; two  incredible pen and ink drawings of egrets by artist, Pat Doolan; an unforgettable ostrich in watercolor by Angela Grainger; and an amazingly detailed and beautiful pastel of a cat by artist, Richard Laycock.

 

From top left:

 

Easter Bunny for Chrissy, 2004, 20 3/8 in. x 28 ⅜ in. framed, watercolor on 140 lb.cold press paper;
Portrait of a Baby Cockatiel, 2006, 21 1/4 in. x 17 1/8 in. framed, watercolor on 140 lb. cold press paper;
Beauty and Grace (Swan), 2012, 21 3/8 in. x 27 3/8 in. framed, watercolor on 140 lb. hot press paper.

Note: the images for this digital collage have been cropped to fit into the collage.

 

To view each painting full size and for more information about each piece, please click on the link for each painting by Anna Porter Artist.

 

 

Read More


three paintings by Anna Porter Artist on display as part of the group show Works on Paper at the OSA Gallery in December, 2012


purple dancer-acrylic, magnolia-mixed media, double peony-watercolor copyright 2012 annaporterartist

I am pleased to announce that three of my paintings, purple dancer-acrylic, magnolia-mixed media and double peony-watercolor, will be on display at the Oregon Society of Artists Gallery at 2185 S.W. Park Place, Portland, OR 97205, for the month of December, 2012, as part of the group show titled Works on Paper. There are beautiful drawings, paintings, photography and intaglios by OSA members on display this month! The show opens on Monday, December 3, 2012 and continues through Friday, January 4, 2013. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 1:00PM to 4:00PM except holidays. This month is People's Choice - drop by the gallery before December 13, 2012 and vote for your favorite painting! I will be sitting the gallery on Friday, December 14, 2012 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM and I would love to give you a personal tour. If you have any questions about my paintings, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. Here is a brief description of the inspiration for each of my paintings and the process that I used:

back left:

purple dancer, 2011, golden fluid acrylic and acrylic on cold press paper, 21 1⁄4” x 17 3⁄8” framed I painted this 20” x 16” portrait of a dancer, whose face is partially hidden in shadow, from a black and white photograph. The painting is monochromatic in tone. I selected purple, a regal color that seemed well-matched for her demanding presence, and mixed up varying shades of it from a limited palette. I used strong contrast to highlight her striking features and bold brush strokes to match her personal style. I was captivated by her unflinching gaze, jaunty hair and beautiful long neck. The painting is unmatted and framed in a 3⁄4 inch black wood frame.

back right:

magnolia, 2012, mixed media (watercolor, gouache, watercolor pencil and pastel) on cold press paper, 20” x 16” framed

 In April, 2012 I attended a workshop by Nancy Klos of Klos Studios, the purpose of which was to practice techniques in the signature style of Georgia O’Keefe. The result of the workshop is this 12” x 9” mixed media painting of a magnolia from my gardens. Georgia O’Keefe is one of my favorite female artists. I love her abstract shapes, pure, bold colors, amazing edge control in watercolor, and the way her paintings draw you in and make you notice the exquisite details in her flowers and landscapes. I cropped a photograph that I had taken of a magnolia that is growing in my studio gardens for the workshop. After doing a sketch of the flower and a contour drawing of the main petals on watercolor paper, I painted the background first, using deep shades of blue-green gouache. Rather than stick to the native color, I decided to make it a little more interesting. For the main flower, I painted each petal separately, selecting bright colors in either opaque gouache or transparent watercolor. To bring out details and create interesting textures in the painting, I blended in strokes of watercolor pencil and pastel to finish it. The painting is mounted on linen, double matted in ivory and framed in a light wood frame. The framed dimensions are 20” x 16”.

front center:

double peony, 2011, watercolor on hot press paper, ©2013 annaporterartist photography by John Telford 2013-03-29

 26 1/2” x 32 1/8” framed

My favorite medium is watercolor and I tried to use the best of its properties in this painting of a double peony from my studio gardens. This magnificent flower bursts into bloom every spring and captivates me anew each year. I began the painting “en plein aire” in my garden in 2011 and finished it in my studio from several detailed photographs at different angles that I took of it when it first bloomed in 2003. I used light and dark washes of transparent color in the background to complement the large central flower. I painted the flower itself one petal at a time, paying attention to the abstract shapes present in each petal, as well as the subtle tone changes. For the center of the flower, I laid in dots of pure pigment to focus attention. 

To join my Facebook Event for the show, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/564103313616661/

Anna Porter Artist

Fine Art & Digital Photography

http://annaporterartist.com

[email protected]

Read More


purple irises, 05-2003, watercolor on hot press paper by annaporterartist


purple irises, 05-2003, watercolor on hot press paper, copyright 2012 annaporterartist

Anna Porter Artist is pleased to announce that her painting purple irises, 05-2003, watercolor on hot press paper by annaporterartist will be on display at the Oregon Society of Artists Gallery  for the month of November, 2012 as part of the group show and art sale. All paintings on display are priced below $100.00 for the sale. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 1:00PM to 4:00PM. Anna Porter will be sitting the gallery on Thursday, November 15, 2012 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM and she would love to give you a personal tour of the gallery and discuss this and other paintings in the show.

Read More


duet - study of embrace after Alfred Gockel and ndumo after Gakonga, 02-2003, watercolor on cold press paper by annaporterartist


duet - study of embrace after Alfred Gockel and ndumo after Gakonga, 2003, watercolor on cold press paper copyright 2012 annaporterartist

duet - study of embrace after Alfred Gockel and ndumo after Gakonga, 2003, watercolor on cold press paper by annaporterartist is on display at the Oregon Society of Artists Gallery for the month of November, 2012 as part of the group Art Sale. All paintings in the show are priced below $100.00 for the sale. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 1:00PM to 4:00PM. Anna Porter will be sitting the gallery on Thursday, November 15, 2012 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM and she would love to give you a personal tour and discuss this and other paintings on display.

Read More


section of danae Inspired by Gustav Klimt, 02-2003, watercolor on cold press paper by annaporterartist


section of danae inspired by Gustav Klimt, 2003, watercolor on cold press paper, copyright 2012 annaporterartist

Anna Porter Artist is pleased to announce that her painting, section of danae inspired by Gustav Klimt, 02-2003, watercolor on cold press paper by annaporterartist is on display at Oregon Society of Artists Gallery for the month of November, 2012 as part of the group Art Sale. All paintings in the show are priced below $100.00 for the sale. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 1:00PM to 4:00PM. Anna Porter will be sitting the gallery on November 15, 2012 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM and she would love to give you a personal tour and discuss this and other paintings on display.

Read More


study of a cow skull by Anna Porter Artist on display at Oregon Society of Artists Gallery through October 31, 2012


study of a cow skull, watercolor on hot press paper, copyright ©2012 annaporterartist

I painted this abstract watercolor using a limited palette of primary yellow, red and blue to create a striking image with high visual impact...

I was staring at the skull of a cow in an art class at Portland Community College and was mesmerized by its empty eye socket which became the focal point for the painting. The style of this painting was influenced by my love of the work of Georgia O'Keefe and her paintings of the Southwest United States. The artwork is matted and framed in a large 5 inch bevelled weathered wood frame resembling barn wood which compliments the painting's theme perfectly.

This painting currently is on display at the Oregon Society of Artists Gallery at 2185 SW Park Place, Portland, OR 97205 for the month of October, 2012. The gallery is open Monday to Friday 1:00PM to 4:00PM. After November 1, 2012, please contact me at [email protected] for pricing information or to arrange a private viewing.

Read More


fiji dreams by Anna Porter Artist on display at Oregon Society of Artists Gallery through October 31, 2012


fiji dreams an original watercolor painting by Anna Porter Artist

Anna Porter Artist is pleased to announce that her painting "fiji dreams", 2003, watercolor on hot press paper is on display at the Oregon Society of Artist's Gallery at 2185 SW Park Place, Portland, OR 97205 for the month of October, 2012. The gallery hours are Monday to Friday 1:00PM to 4:00PM. 

 

Message from the Artist:

 

This beautiful abstract watercolor painting is filled with meaning for me. It was inspired by a dream about the island of Fiji, where I have never been, but would love to visit one day. The floral images are based on flowers from my gardens, another passion. The crinkly gentleman in the turban at the center represents wisdom. And, like the delicate monarch butterfly, we have the ability to choose our own path in life, unfold, change, and soar. I painted it on 140 lb. hot press watercolor paper. It is matted with a 3 in. acid-free archival white beveled cut mat and framed with a 3/8 in. black metal frame that is 1 1/8 in. deep. Currently this painting is in my private collection. It is not for sale at this time but may become available in the future.

 

Other works by the artist can be viewed online at https://annaporterartist.com.

Read More