Colorful, flowing, impressionist-style paintings by New Port Richey artist Annie Harris are on display at the second art show being presented by the Pasco Fine Arts Council at the master-planned community of Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel.
The show, “Energized With Color,” also includes pottery by Denise Philbrook, and is open through Nov. 25 at the East Pasco Fine Art Gallery located inside the Welcome Center at Avalon Park West, 33613 State Road 54. The pubic is invited to visit this free exhibit, which is open daily.
Annie Harris has lived in Pasco County for 20 years, making her home in the Sea Forest community in New Port Richey.
Many of her paintings reflect her love of the water and beach, inspired by living on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, and her summer home on Madeline Island that overlooks Lake Superior in Wisconsin.
“I have always loved the water and the warmth of the beach, and many of my paintings are of nature and seascapes,” said Harris. “I like to use warm colors, and paint to show movement of the wind and waves.”
Harris describes her style as modern and dramatic, and paints her subjects loosely, blending lines and colors together. Unlike many artists, she does not sketch her work in pencil before she begins to paint.
“I just paint, and let the colors and motion flow,” said Harris.
She has 35 paintings on display at her show at the East Pasco Fine Art Gallery — all watercolors, except for three acrylic works. In addition to beach and water scenes, Harris’s also is exhibiting still lifes, florals, children, animals, abstracts and nudes.
Her favorite painting at the “Energized With Color” show is a self-portrait she calls, “Who I Am,” which is one of several stylized artworks on display.
“Along with the energy of nature, I love to paint the excitement of the human form. Everything about my art is about energy,” said Harris.”
All of Harris’ paintings at the exhibit are for sale, with most paintings priced between $200 and $300.
“I want people to be able to afford my paintings, and price them so they sell,” said Harris.
Before opening at Avalon Park West, “Energized With Color” was on exhibit at the Pasco Fine Arts Center in New Port Richey. During that three-week show, Harris sold 16 paintings, of which she donated 100 percent of the proceeds to the Pasco Fine Arts Council. She will also be donating to the Council all proceeds from the show at Avalon Park West.
Harris grew up in New Jersey as the middle child, with two sisters and a brother. She began painting when she was 10, because dyslexia made schoolwork difficult, and she gravitated towards the arts, where she excelled.
“I had three very smart siblings who I could never compete with academically,” said Harris, “My mother encouraged me to discover my strengths through painting, and always supported my interest in the arts.”
Harris went on to study art in college, and received her Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona. After college, she and her husband, Larry, lived in Minnesota for 25 years, spending summers at a cottage they bought on Madeline Island, which the couple still owns.
After moving to Florida, Harris became involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council, and has been one of its most active members. She is also a longtime member of the Florida Watercolor Society.
The partnership between the Paso Fine Arts Council and Avalon Park West began earlier this year, with a goal to bring arts and cultural events, exhibits and workshops to East Pasco County. This is the first time in the Council’s 40-plus year history that is has had a location in East Pasco to host its exhibits and art classes.
After Harris’ show closes, a new artist will be featured at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, for a total of six artist exhibits during the first year of this new partnership. The next show opens Nov. 25 and features Rita Wilson in a show titled, “Thru My Eyes,” with a reception to celebrate her work on Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Published October 30, 2019
