Behind the Canvas

Introduction:

I'm Anna, a wanderer with a paintbrush. By day, I chart new adventures and by night, I translate those journeys and dreams into vibrant art.

Global Nomad with a Local Heart:

Born in Budapest, raised in California, I've chased sunsets across the globe. From tea shops in Paris to breweries in the Hudson Valley (current home!), I find inspiration in every corner.

Fueling the Creative Fire:

When I'm not exploring, you'll find me:

  • Hiking the local trails and capturing the beauty with my camera (while getting my steps in).
  • Lost in a book or watching slow living youtube.
  • Sipping tea at a cozy cafe or sketching ideas.
  • Wandering the streets of New York City, soaking in the energy.

From Adventures to Art:

I paint to bring my journeys, emotions, and dreams to life. It's a way to translate fleeting moments into something tangible. My goal? To evoke emotions in the viewer, inspire exploration, and ignite the creative spark within.

The Art of Living Joyfully:

Art started as a way to bring joy into my own life, but it's blossomed into a way to connect with you. Because making art, like pursuing your passions, fuels your soul.

My Art Process: From Feeling to Form

I start with a feeling – an emotion, a memory, a spark. These become the seeds for my paintings. I use digital tools and mood boards to explore images, colors, and subjects that capture that initial feeling. Think of it as brainstorming – playing with photos, blending modes, and color palettes to find the perfect mix that brings the emotion to life.

Then comes the painting itself. It's a blend of dreamy atmospheres and meticulous details. I start with a soft, watery base layer using acrylics (like washes of color and subtle splashes). This creates the emotional foundation for the piece and sets the color journey. Experimentation comes in here too – sometimes I add spray paint or marks, but always with a focus on creating a sense of peace and tranquility.

Once the emotional groundwork is laid (and my inner dreamer is happy!), I bring the subject matter to life with details and deeper transparent layers using oil paints. Think proper form, shadows, lines, and all the good stuff. But – I don't lose sight of the dreamy base layer. Those soft washes peek through, adding depth and a touch of mystery. 

Let's Connect:

Join me on Instagram or TikTok @annamikoart where we can:

  • Share travel adventures.
  • Chat about art, nature, self-discovery and spirit animals.
  • Dream about our next big adventure!

P.S. I share pictures of lattes & trees but draw the line at spiders (unless they're really cute). Let's connect over everything else!