Q & A

How can I purchase a painting/ artwork?

(Paypal? Or direct?)

Can I see your work in a gallery?

Yes. If you follow me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/annaaitch/) I can give you very much instant notification on where my art will be showing and when.

Will this painting look good in my home?

I would be happy to travel to your home provided it is within a 10 mile radius of my home or my studio. Then I can see the space you would like me to fill, advise on subject matter and on colour pallets.

Alternatively you could send me a photo or video of the space you wish me to fill.

Where can I get prints of your paintings?

You can order them directly through me.

How important are titles to your paintings?

Sometimes titles of paintings are significant, other times not. Often titles are chosen to enhance the mood of the work and describe something of the quality/energy the painting imbues.

What inspires you to paint?

This is my intention to inspire healing and instil a sense of peace, harmony, positive energy, and bring balance to others lives.

What subjects inspire you?

Psychology, philosophy, photography, film, poetry, theatre, music, dance, the great outdoors.

What if you are not inspired to paint?

I find there are many ways to tap into/access and exercise creative life force. Sometimes I am inspired by music, sometimes movement/dance. Sometimes it is by freeing my mind through active meditation.

How much time does it take to complete a painting?

This varies on what medium I am using. Oil paint takes much longer to dry than acrylic, gouache, or watercolour. At least double the time. If you would like to commission a piece from me, we can discuss the length of time it will take to complete. Bear in mind I may have other commissioned pieces on the go or in progress at the time of your request.

Do you do custom commissions/paintings?

Yes. If you do not feel drawn to a work I have already painted, I would be delighted to intuit a painting for you. Share with me your intentions of what you would like it to bring into your life: high energy, inspiration, guidance, play, support, etc. We can also collaborate on a specific colour pallet.

What’s your work day like?

I currently spend 3-4 days a week creating in my studio space at Collective Gallery in St Albans. When I am not there, I work in community settings with children and an adult disability group facilitating art. The other two days I work in an early years setting with young children and with an adult disability group facilitating art. I like weekends for hobbies, exploring and relaxation. However, around holiday periods such as Christmas I may be in high demand so therefore you may also find me working on the weekends also. Around holiday periods such as Christmas, I may spend more time in the studio working hard to finish your commissions/requests.

What do you do outside of the studio?

I love walking, visiting exhibitions, going on road-trips, festivals, holidaying in Austria, following Zen and buddhism, running, yoga.

As an artist, what gives you the most joy?

Pablo Picasso said, ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away’.

I have always felt that creativity in one way or another was my calling. I love expressing myself with brushes, tools and paint. It brings me great joy to paint from my heart and to create something beautiful for you.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

“The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling” (Fabienne Fredrickson). Invest in your soul’s growth. Do what lights you up..

Isn’t it hard to part with your paintings?

It depends on what I am creating. I try not to be precious about my art work. If I am creating something special or specific for you then I will imbue your painting with a special energy and therefore really cannot afford to be precious.

Do habits help (or hinder) creativity?

I find that a loose flexible structure helps me. I like to have my equipment set up in my studio a day in advance of working there. So when I arrive there in the morning I can just get right on with the painting.

Do you listen to music when you’re painting?

This really depends on what mood I am in. I have a wide/ varied taste in music. I love to make playlists through Spotify and often find music that is inspiring to paint to.

Which artists are you most influenced by?

Old school Surrealists and Dadaists, Dali, Magritte, Joan Miro; Expressionists, Wassily Kandinsky and Egon Schiele; Ecological artist, Hundertwasser; Spiritual painter, Freydoon Rassouli; artists of ‘the society for art of imagination’,… Brigid Marlin. Fiona Rae and Anish Kapoor.

My great Aunt, Ute Langenkamp was also an early influence on me. She was a loveable Austrian hippie and animal activist who had a love and great skill In watercolour paintings and went on to open and run the largest dog rescue sanctuary in Europe.