5 minute read
Navigators
Painting Outside the Lines
Artist Anne Harkness finds inspiration in town scenes
Advertisement
by Tony Ricciardelli photography by Lisa Crates
Anne Harkness grew up in a family of artists and has always worked to incorporate art into her life.
The likeness that stands in Anne Harkness’ back yard was sculpted by her grandmother, a sculptor and painter, who created the work when Harkness was nine years old. For Harkness, a Mooresville resident, the figure is a reminder of her journey as a youngster drawing sketches during family TV hours, to becoming the successful artist she is today. In fact, art is in Harkness’ genes. Her mom was a painter, dad and brother were architects, another brother a builder and painter; her grandmother created and collected art.
Harkness meets with a group of young photography students at Mooresville Arts.
“Art was ever present when I was a child,” says Harkness. “My brothers and I drew all the time. We were surrounded by art: Renoir, Lautrec, Picasso.”
Although art had always played a role in Harkness’ life, it would be decades before oil painting became her passion.
Harkness earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from The Maryland Institute College of Art. Her first job was working with a small newspaper in Annapolis Md., where her she served as an art director, doing package and product design, logos, and hand lettering. Upon marrying, she worked as an art director in New York for fifteen years. During that time, she realized her responsibilities were somewhat restrictive, without opportunity to put her own “spin” into her work. “I require surprise and mystery from my work, “says Harkness. “There was little room for creativity during those years.”
incorporAting Art into life
When children came along, Harkness decided to homeschool, and tutor other children. To promote reading skills, Harkness incorporated art into developing creative board games with her students. “I was sneaking art into board games,” she says. “The children didn’t know the difference. They enjoyed these activities, not realizing they were improving their art and reading skills.”
Harkness continued to practice her own artistry, working with colored pencils, watercolors, and photography. Eventually, she was commissioned to create a mural for her church, a 30’ X 9’ acrylic painting.
She studied under painter, Curt Butler, and soon afterward he asked her to work for him as a studio manager and, later, as an instructor.
Still, after exploring several careers, including a position as an elementary school principal, Harkness realized that she’d “bottomed out.” She was at a point in her life, where finding creative purpose and a relevant niche were necessary if she were ever to achieve self-fulfillment.
“I was at an all-time low, when my brother told me he knew an artist who was willing to teach us oil painting,” Harkness recalls. “We took the class, and I discovered my passion.” In her fifties at that time, Harkness was about to embark on an exciting and gratifying journey.
creAting on her own terms
“Once I had the freedom to create under my own terms, in a medium that suited me, I realized that I could start with a plan, but surprise! I found that each painting has its own journey that can’t be forced.”
Harkness has been painting in oils for several years; her pieces have been in national and international shows, galleries, and museums. She has been featured in American Art Collector Magazine, as well as in International Artist Magazine. She is represented by Lee Dellinger Fine Art in Statesville, and The O’Brien Gallery in Greensboro. She is a member of American Women Artists.
She draws inspiration from strong designed structures with definitive lines including lines in nature, manmade lines, and town scenes. “I photograph town scenes demonstrating an exclusive point of view: a street corner, light coming around a street corner, landscapes, roads,” she explains. “Design and subject flaws within the photograph must bring passion; flaws can be fixed. I can leave out the lines, add lines, add my own flavor to details, and then it becomes more about the painting and less about the photograph until it’s not about the photograph at all.”
For more information about Anne Harkness, visit her website at www.anneharkness.com. Harkness’ work is currently on display in the Outside the Lines exhibit at Mooresville Arts through Sept. 23. For more information go to www.mooresvillearts.org/outside-the-lines-exhibit. www.LNCurrents.com | SEPTEMBER 2021 47
Made in Italy. Stocked in Hickory.
34 Years of Modern Style
Hickory Furniture Mart 2220 Hwy. 70 SE | Hickory, NC 28602 828-327-8485 | www.reflectionsfurniture.com
protecting our LKN community with LIFE INSURANCE »
When asked who should get life insurance – the answer is simple: if you love someone and want to help take care of them, you should consider life insurance. The purpose of life insurance is to benefit and protect your family and their assets/livelihood.
TERM LIFE
• One of the most common and most affordable forms of life insurance • Set number of years of coverage, once the period is up, the policy will terminate, or coverage/premium will change
PERMANENT LIFE
• Although there are many kinds of permanent insurance (Whole Life, Universal Life, Final Expense) they are all designed to last your whole life – does not term after a set number of years or at a certain age. • Some permanent options accumulate cash value that you can use to help fund the policy in the future or that you can withdraw from the policy.
AVERAGE MONTHLY COSTS FOR A 35-YEAR-OLD NON-SMOKER WITH $250,000 IN COVERAGE
Whole Life Male: $150/month Female: $140/month
Scan this QR Code with your smart phone’s camera to learn more about Life Insurance
(704) 875-3060 foglegroup.com
Shawn Fogle Principi
Vice President
With 35 years of experience Shawn has worked in almost every aspect of the insurance industry and is able to obtain the coverage you need.
