5 minute read
A Perfect View
Local artist Anne Zimmerman Briand brings coastal landscapes indoors with custom paintings.
Here in St. Pete, where the treasure trove of coastal wonders awaits right outside our doors, the allure of the coastal lifestyle is undeniable. Whether it’s leisurely days on the boat, relaxing beach outings, invigorating trail walks, or charming evenings downtown, it begs the question: How can we capture this outdoor wonder and bring it inside to savor every day?
Contemporary landscape artist Anne Zimmerman Briand does just that by helping clients bring the beauty of our local landscapes into their homes with bespoke artwork. Whether they’re newcomers seeking artwork for a complete home makeover or long-time residents desiring a refreshing touch, Zimmerman Briand assists by creating and curating original fine art that seamlessly integrates into homeowners’ beautiful coastal interiors.
The artist’s work captures the atmosphere, water, colors, and mood of the waterways around St. Petersburg with authenticity and depth. Her paintings are meant not just to adorn walls but to evoke emotions and memories that resonate with collectors seeking a peaceful sanctuary amidst their bustling lives. Some clients purchase artwork from her existing inventory, while many choose to commission custom artwork designed entirely for their space, color palettes and interior design.
When it comes to custom commissions, Zimmerman Briand’s role extends beyond the canvas and becomes a journey of collaboration and connection. By immersing herself in her client’s vision or partnering with their interior designer, she crafts paintings that mirror the client’s persona and lifestyle.
For instance, a painting overlooking Shell Key Preserve titled “Paradise” found its place as the centerpiece of a dining area in a brand new waterfront condo. Both the homeowner and interior designer collaborated closely to select the right painting for the space, considering hundreds of options before finding the perfect fit with one of Zimmerman Briand’s paintings.
Reflecting on the project, interior designer Madelyn Kinemond said, “We had the color palette and furniture for the space, we just didn’t have the pop. Paradise is the POP and is especially meaningful for Edye, the homeowner, because the landscape features Shell Key Preserve right outside her windows. Now, as we continue finalizing the rest of the space, this painting has inspired the palette for a custom upholstery project by another artist as well as an additional gallery wall of small plein air sunset paintings, again by Anne Zimmerman Briand.”
During a full home renovation, Cindy Bradley of Tierra Verde requested a defining centerpiece for her master bathroom. With a keen eye for detail, she envisioned a statement piece to adorn the space above her soaking tub, with the same color palette she had selected with her interior designer. Anne matched the painting note by note, color by color, to the textures, fabrics, and materials in the space to mirror the room’s color spectrum. Now the painting hangs in harmony in the space, complementing the interior design while serving as a testament to the unifying power of art.
After the installation with Suncoast Installs was complete, Bradley described the whole experience: “I hired Anne to paint a custom piece of a favorite scene at Fort De Soto to match the turquoise colors of my bedroom. She went on a few location scouting trips and then created a mini version so I could approve the colors and dimensions prior to working on the final masterpiece. Then she set about adding in more of the colors I really loved, while removing those that I didn’t care for as much. I was able to approve the work in phases, so I was in the loop the whole time. The final piece is absolutely perfect. I love it!”
A project Zimmerman Briand worked on with a homeowner who wanted to capture the post-work vibes of a golden hour sunset in a painting for their living room. Through discussions and a little brainstorming, they decided on a landscape of a favorite photograph that reflected their desired emotions: the feeling of freedom as they crossed the bridge home after a long day of work. Zimmerman Briand measured the space and created a custom painting that was a perfect fit for the space. The final painting portrays a stunning view of the colors and sky above the Skyway Bridge, glimmering against the sunset. Through collaboration and a keen understanding of her homeowner’s hopes for the painting, the artist was able to transform their desired sentiment into a tangible work of art, and a daily reminder of life’s simple joys.
In each of these encounters, the art becomes a conversation starter, a reflection of shared experiences, and a testament to the beauty that surrounds us. Each painting tells a story, not just of the artist’s vision, but of the homeowners who inhabit these spaces.
In essence, bringing the outdoors in isn’t merely about embellishment; it’s about crafting sanctuaries that echo the rhythm of the places we love and celebrate the soul of our homes and relationships. And through the transformative power of fine art, we not only enhance our living spaces but also enrich our lives, one brushstroke at a time.
Visit www.annezimmerman.com to read more about artwork by Anne Zimmerman Briand.
