I think I have been an artist all my life.
I studied art through high school and post-secondary, earning several degrees. I have lived in several states, including Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, Alaska, and New Mexico. I now split my year between Alaska and New Mexico.
Nature motivates me. Capturing the tranquility of it is a goal of mine. I find inspiration while traveling, driving, hiking, or just walking in the neighborhood. I grew up on a farm in Michigan with nine siblings. I loved to explore our farm and spent most of my time outdoors. Every time I drive to town, I see something different; usually it is the light that highlights a view in a way I have not seen before.
I am mostly a landscape artist using oil and watercolor. My ideal working environment would be en plein air (outdoors) painting with a group of other artists. I am passionate about starting a new painting. This allows me to find my “place to stand,” as John F. Carlson said. Two of my paintings inspired by where I live include “Yearning to Climb” and “Follow the River.”
“Yearning to Climb” was done plein air in oil. It is of Round Mountain in Bent, NM and is two miles from my home in Bent. I have painted several views of this mountain. The overall color palette is earthy with warm tones, typical of the New Mexico landscape.
“Follow the River” was done plein air in watercolor. It was a painting at the boat launch at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area in Fairbanks, Alaska. The overall color palette is cool and natural, conveying a tranquil yet somewhat somber atmosphere.
To those who would aspire to be an artist, I say: Paint, draw, and repeat—every day if possible. Hang out with other artists. Life is short, but art is forever. Mastering your art takes a lifetime, but a lifetime is never long enough.
anne@annealeshire.com
Article originally published in Focus on Carlsbad 2026 Summer edition.
