Anne Olenek
Anne grew up on the beaches of Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida. Her surroundings were highly influential in her appreciation for nature and the peace and solitude that it can provide. After graduating from the University of Florida, marriage and four children took up her time, but she continued to draw and paint whenever time would allow. As the children grew, she was able to create a studio in her home and paint freely. Now a grandmother of three, she enjoys writing and painting the illustrations for a self-published children's book for each new additions to the family. Her impressionistic oil paintings range from still life to nature scenes to abstract. Her paintings convey a feeling of serenity and an appreciation of the world around her.
Artist’s Statement
I have taken art classes as far back as my memory allows. My interest in art was always a constant in my life. I had the honor of studying art for a summer at the University of Innsbruck in Austria and was in awe of the master works all around me. Plein Air landscape painting as well as studio still life and portraits are my current passion. I am constantly reaching and stretching my scope of subject matter and have currently stepped into a more abstract impressionistic realm.
Awards
Honorary Mention in Painting and Drawing
2014 Crealde Juried Exhibition
Exhibitions
Orlando Museum of Art- 1st Thursdays
Orlando Museum of Art- Art in Bloom
Orlando Museum of Art- Festival of Trees
Mills gallery, Orlando, FL
The lily Pad, Oxford, Mississippi
Crealde School of Art, Winter Park, FL
Isleworth Golf & Country Club, Windemere, FL
Interlachen Country Club, Winter Park, FL
Influences
My parents were artistic and active in the art community, and the Museum was my favorite place to be as a child. My sister studied Art History and discussions about different artists were commonplace in our household. I am influenced by the Impressionists and their ability to convey mood and message.