Born in Nova Scotia, Anna Horsnell has been painting for 50 years. Over that time, independent studies have allowed her to benefit from a variety of teachers and influences, and her work has evolved from realism to impressionism and finally, abstraction. She does not shy from switching things up should the change better meet the challenge of her chosen subject. She exhibits regularly, and her paintings hang in public and private collections across North America. She has taught children and adults, led a variety of community art projects, and is a published writer focusing on the promotion of fellow artists.
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Which ’hood are you in?
As a proud Canadian, I am eternally grateful that over the span of my life I have been lucky enough to live, work and study across this country, breathing the air, feeling the varied landscapes, and becoming friends with amazing people. But as a Maritimer, I was eventually drawn home to the East Coast and now live happily in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, mere minutes from the Bay of Fundy, which is dear to my heart. I thrive in this province, so blessed by amazing artists, musicians, and actors.
What do you do?
I immerse myself in the world around me and disappear inside my head to create paintings as a means to communicate what I see, feel and appreciate about our glorious planet. I work exclusively with acrylic paint on stretched canvas using whatever tool seems best suited to the moment, be that brush, or knife, or merely my hands. Painting is not something I do as much as simply part of who I am.
What are you currently working on?
For the past six years, my work has focused on a series entitled “earthlings” as well as my abstract, non-subjective paintings. Currently, my inspiration is coming from the rugged Fundy coastline and the immense tides that define its character. This has been my place of refuge and rejuvenation since childhood. I want to revisit this subject on canvas through the lens of an abstract artist. These are not exact depictions but rather my reflections and impressions of this very special place.
Where can we find your work?
I am proud to offer my work at 14 Bells Fine Art Gallery, located at 5523B Young Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and at the Flight of Fancy located at 1869 Clementsvale Road, Bear River, Nova Scotia. My work is also available online through my website and on my Facebook page.
