Art for the Soul; Artist, students, writers welcome.

The launching of an award winning web site focusing on a new art retreat conducted by Artist Ann Hamilton.

(PRWEB) August 31, 2003 -- Alabama Artist Ann Hamilton may live on Elm Street but her life is not a nightmare and her house is not dreary and dark. In fact, it is cheery and bright and filled with laughter, says a reporter for her hometown newspaper. According to Times Journal reporter Lora Reynolds, much of the joy that springs from the 1890's Victorian Home comes from the creation of art.

As the fall season opens even more satisfaction is expected to peal from this historical setting with the official opening of a spiritual art-writing Retreat on Oct. 10, 2003.

Hamilton says that she does not expect to get as famous as the Country Music Group Alabama who also makes its home in this small southern town. What she does anticipate is more rewards for herself and others in the pleasure of teaching and making art.

"The opening is also a welcome note to the highlights of the colorful Autumn season in the mountainous terrain of the northeastern part of the state, Hamilton said. We are situated in the Tennessee Valley between Lookout and Sand Mountains. The area is a part of the region advertised by the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments' as the Home of Alabama Mountains and Lakes. Surrounding the area are hundreds of acres of state parks and the Little River Canyon National Preserve.

Hamilton's teaching form incorporates traditional and experimental methodology. "My approach includes both the psychological and stylistic. Getting to know my students and what mediums they use are important elements of this process. I have to get inside their heads and hearts in order to help them bring out, through techniques, their individualism.. In order to do this, I must first learn what my students want to accomplish. Our time together is focused on this expectation.

"It was in my readings about the artist, Georgia O'Keefe, that taught me the importance of being true to one's self in art. Through her own words "...at least, I can paint what I want to," I gained confidence as an artist. It was this that convinced me to concentrate on teaching my students to express themselves, not someone else, through their art."

"My students say they learn the most by watching me work."

"My style is that of allowing the subject matter of the painting to direct me. I have an idea, such as a landscape or a seascape, but the painting, like a work of fiction in a literary piece, takes on a life of its' own. It often appears to be telling me what to do. That is what challenges me most."

"When I place colors onto paper, canvas, or panel, a vision of the painting soon begins to take shape in my mind. Once I decide on a focal point, the development of the painting proceeds much like that of the development of characters in a work of fiction. Whether it's in the classroom, my studio, or during workshops that I conduct, I am always being surprised."

A typical retreat consists of two intensive days of work. Arrival at the retreat the day before is an important prelude for what is to come.

Biography

Activities: Art Instructor, Northeast Community College; World Wide Arts Resources/absolutearts.com, juried premiere portfolio gallery; Webigo Art Partners Paintings, July, 2003, Artist of the month; Golden Webs Award, 2003-2004; Published poet, 2000; Coordinator "Voices From the Pages" Annual Program, Jackson-Dekalb Writer's Group, Al, 2000;member Dekalb Art League, Al; member; Big Will's Art's Council, Fort Payne, Al; member Huntsville Art League Al; listed in World's Who's Who of Women, 1975-76; listed in America's Who's Who of Women, 1975-76; recipient of numerous community service and professional awards; recipient of art awards; artwork exhibited in regional colleges, universities, banks and shows; member Alabama Visionary Guild; member of Vibrant Visionaries (co-chairman.), member Dekalb County Master Gardener's Assn.

Education: Bachelors Degree, cum laud, Athens College, Athens, AL, USA, 1985-86; Main Course of Studies, Education, Art and English; The University of Alabama, Huntsville, AL, 1984-85; Main Course of Studies, Education, Art and English (Honors Student); Associates Degree, Northeast State Junior College, Rainsville, AL, USA, 1982-84 Main Course of Studies, Education, Art and English (Editor of School Newspaper; Scholar's Bowl Member; Listed in Who's Who of Junior Colleges; Outstanding Promoter of Scholarships; Sigma Tau Delta member.

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