Program - Artist_Annie Thayer

Annie Thayer ~ September 2008 Featured Artist

Annie Thayer was one of The Palette Gallery's featured artists in the Landscapes display in 2007. After she joined with other artists in The Palette Gallery's "Landscapes" display during an MCMAA concert in November of that same year, Annie gave a watercolor workshop sponsored by The Palette Gallery through MCMAA and the Nederland Area Seniors (NAS). Her work and her talent in teaching is an inspiration to many local mountain artists.

Annie Thayer

About the Artist
Annie’s artwork is inspired by a deep love of the outdoors that goes back to her childhood in Minnesota. Her approach to the changing and often subtle colors and light found in nature shows the influence of both summers spent in Maine and her present home in the Colorado mountains. Annie spends as much time outdoors as she can, whether hiking, climbing, skiing, biking, running—or just quietly sitting, taking in the beauty around her. Although a friend introduced Annie to watercolors when she was a young adult, it was only about 7 or 8 years ago that she discovered a real passion for watercolor painting. She started taking classes and hasn’t stopped. Her quiet time now often includes painting somewhere in a beautiful setting. She has recently painted on location in Greece, the San Juan Islands, Maine, Crested Butte, and, of course, the Nederland area and Indian Peaks. Many of the paintings that she will be displaying were painted on one of these trips.

Artist Statement
One of the things I love about watercolor painting is the playful nature of it. I am fascinated with how the paint moves and flows, creating a sense of motion and energy. I find my most interesting paintings are those I don’t try to control. When I can remove the need to “produce” something and instead let my joy and a sense of discovery lead me into the painting, then it takes me where it wants to go. Watercolor painting allows me to combine my love of nature, color, and movement into a very satisfying creative expression. For me, painting is like a dance. I most often have to stand up while I’m painting so I can move with the flow. My desire is to work from my heart and capture what I’m feeling inside. The more I learn to do this, the more fun I have painting…and then I sing, “How can I keep from painting!” I feel like such a beginner in all of this, so it is with much humility that I accept this wonderful opportunity to share my work with others. I hope you will find something that moves you or connects you with the places I love.

Some of Thayer's Works

As the featured artist for this month’s MCMAA concert, you’ll see beautiful watercolors of mountain scenes and other works by Thayer. Click here to contact Annie Thayer directly.