Artist statementI strive to paint what is unseen yet felt, and in the process create “my world” in which subject matter is both convincing and distilled, with colors taken from the natural world’s palette for added subtlety. Creating a mood, feeling, or statement with my paintings is very important to me, so my real-looking subjects ultimately become symbols. The inspiration for my work comes from my life experiences and environment. Most of my paintings, therefore, refer to the landscape or culture of New England and/or Italy, the two places where I have lived. I first explore subjects for my paintings through creative “visual thinking” using black and white sketches and develop only the best of these into a finished piece. Therefore, my compositions may be rendered “as found”, completely imagined, or a combination of both. I strive to create work that is thought-provoking, and that contains more than what a casual glance may first suggest. BiographyAnne Heywood is an American Realist known for modern and traditional landscapes, still lifes, and pet portraiture. Her work is appreciated for its subtle yet expressive moods, reflecting Anne’s New England roots and the twelve years she lived in Naples, Italy. Heywood is the recipient of many honors and awards, including being invited as a Guest Artist at the 2nd Biennial International Pastel Exhibition in Suzhou, China. She is the author/illustrator of the book Pastels Made Easy, published by Watson-Guptill Publications, NYC, and she holds an Eminent Pastelist designation from the International Association of Pastel Societies. Both her writings and paintings have been featured in national and international publications, including Australian Artist Magazine and The Pastel Journal. Heywood was recognized in 2007 by the company Great American Art Works with their Anne Heywood Masterclass Assortment of Pastels. A Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, Heywood is an Artist Member of the Copley Society (Boston), the Salmagundi Club (NYC), and the National Association of Women Artists. Her educational background includes a B. A., Art summa cum laude. She is listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Women. Heywood has painted and drawn midcoast Maine for over 25 years and maintains studios in both Maine and Massachusetts. She accepts commissions for custom paintings and pet portraits and offers workshops, presentations, and demonstrations privately and to professional art and social organizations. Her paintings can be found in both national and international corporate and private collections.