#sparkchamber 112717 — Rose Anne Huck
As the days get shorter, and we feel the intensity and brilliance of the last little glimmers of autumn, we welcome artist Rose Anne Huck to the #sparkchamber. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, one of her primary goals is to record the power and peacefulness of nature, creating a peaceful retreat and bringing a soothing influence into the lives of those who view it. She follows the traditions of the Hudson River Artists — trekking into nature in search of natural wonders large and small. Sunlight, clouds, trees, and water are her essential elements of inspiration.
She was born in Southeast Missouri, in the town of Poplar Bluff which several generations of her family on both sides have called home. The history of the area has had a strong influence on her love of the Ozarks foothills, beginning in childhood — “One of my favorite activities was to tromp through the woods looking for interesting things to study, or to build things with sticks, rocks and mud. I imagined there were worlds of fairies living there and I just knew they might enjoy my little retreats. I was a champion tree-climber and loved to view the world from my high perch.”
Rose Anne and her husband, three dogs, and one cat, live on 123 acres in western Butler County on Ten Mile Creek. The farm, creek, and animals supply her with an endless stream of subject matter. “The sunlight crosses our valley from morning until night, creating lovely, shifting images which inspire me daily.”
Visit her website, and stay tuned! Rose Anne has a solo exhibition coming up in February 2018 at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum in Poplar Bluff, MO.
1. ]Where do ideas come from?
I am inspired by the world around me, images I am exposed to, and other artists’ work. A gnarled tree root or white bark against a dark sky may call out to me, "Paint me!" Events and people can inspire me to a new way of looking at things. I have a client who has described several dream sequences to me and commissioned paintings of those surreal images. The unusual atmospheric conditions which create amazing light shows and express the power of nature that I see out my large front window are a constant source of awe.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
I feel compelled to work large, in a way that uses my whole body in a reach-and-stretch that involves me physically, spiritually, and emotionally. For many years I squashed this urge or was timid about following it. NO MORE! As I have matured, I feel the compulsion in a stronger and stronger way. I feel time running short! And I want my work to mean something, to honor the beauty around me.
3.] Early bird or night owl, tortoise or hare?
I am a total early bird. I rise at 5:00 or 5:30 to work out, have breakfast and get to work! I work best in the first part of the day when my mind is fresh and answers come fast and furious! Sometimes when ideas start flowing, it is almost overwhelming! Like drinking from a fire hose! I will write/sketch those ideas out and save them to a binder for reference when I need inspiration. I am a bit of a hare and somewhat impatient with my progress, but I am thorough in following my own process of exploration of solutions to design, composition, or color challenges.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
I usually feel it, but often I am unsure. Sometimes it feels complete and it feels good. The painting speaks to me. But if I am unsure, I let the art sit hidden for a day or week or month. When I pull it out again and see it with fresh eyes, usually it will be abundantly clear whether it needs more work or is complete. Very occasionally I will ask other artists to share their thoughts about a piece — usually my two daughters who are also artists and will be completely honest with me!