Dancing in the Sunlight, 14×14, acrylic on canvas, ©2012, Ann Hart Marquis

I am a nature lover. Since childhood I have been in awe of nature. To me, nature is overpoweringly grand, a force to be revered. Nature evokes emotions and feelings of reverence and grace. I am deeply concerned about the fragility of our surroundings, therefore, I paint the beauty that I see around me or in my imagination. Trees are a particular inspiration. They are primeval, fixed, grounded. For these reasons it feels natural that we may learn wisdom from them. Trees inspire me by their size, diversity, longevity and perseverance.

I am also inspired by color and the way colors interact with each other. Color allows me to explore the drama and spirituality of nature. It helps tell a story. I like to experiment with color, mixing unusual hues or layering one color on the top of another.