Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anne Leith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I always made art. From the joy of finding the sharpened pencil and paper pad in the desk drawer as a child while visiting the grandparents – to the production of an unwanted large abstract painting on my family’s living-room wall – it was always my thing. Growing up, I was lucky to have good teachers and professors who encouraged independent thinking and understood materials.

I did a lot of fine arts education over the years. I have an BA from Mills College in Studio Arts, an MFA in Painting from the U. of PA, and an MA in Art History (Post-War and Contemporary Art) from Sotheby’s Institute, London (U. of Manchester).

I have worked in many jobs: Manager of International Planning and Operations at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NY; also, working internationally for NextMonet.com (one of the first online art sales platforms for contemporary art c2001). I was Adjunct Professor of art, art history and art education at Rosemont College in PA for over 8 years. I worked for the PA Art Conservatory for 4 years doing art restoration on paintings. Other jobs included international gallery jobs in London/NY, working at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for 4 months on a scholarship while writing my MA dissertation on Mannequins, and – being a cheese monger at Wegmans.

My most important professional step (excepting making paintings) was starting AllartStudio.com (2003-2015). My company specialized in video documentaries of artists and profiles of art organizations (clients included; Skowhegan, ArtTable, the Association of Art Museum Curators, and the Vermont Arts Council). Our work is in the Archives of American Art. I feel privileged to have interviewed some of the major artists, art professionals, and art benefactors of our times. I still marvel at the opportunities we had to interview in-depth some of the great people of our time.

However, given all this good stuff, I never – ever – stopped painting. It has always been about painting full-time, although we all know that is a more than a full-time job with marketing, prep, etc. even if you can make great work. I am so grateful to have this obsession.

Now I am in Saugerties, NY, in the Catskills, making art full-time. Still doing some restoration and I volunteer to mentor the art students at our local High School. I really enjoy that.

I have a 4×8′ mural going up in March in Saugerties Village, NY, and then a 3 month show in Venice, Italy in May, 2026.

Anne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a painter of places. I am best known for my plein-air outdoor landscape paintings. Making large works plein air has many challenges – think luge sledding. There is a dynamism in having to go full out and put the paint down, with the setup, weather, etc., that is very exciting and demanding. I also spend equal time in the studio creating abstracted landscapes from my imagination. The use of metallic foil has been an important element to some of the work – added an unexpected light element that I am not controlling once the work is installed. I am constantly experimenting with new ways to bring light into the paintings.

I think every painter has some inner image that effects them in a special way – and maybe creates their ‘style’? Nature has been my muse. Moving to the Hudson River Valley 5 years ago has been wonderful – the river, the river, the river. To paint an extremely well known landscape is a challenge for sure. I previously lived in Andrew Wyeth territory and that was also an education. – the field, the field, the field. Both beautiful. Then there is the ocean.
I also love working from the model.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

If you can figure out how to support yourself as an artist – nobody can tell you what to do. You achieve joy and challenge for your whole life if you are open to messing with stuff and staying the course.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Giving money to the arts is in everyone’s interest. Art of all types should be considered a staple food for human survival. Grant-giving to the arts should be considered comparable to education and health funding, and should continue to be an integral part of the federal budget. It is how we see our past and future. Kudos to all the dedicated workers who volunteer to organize groups in their communities, right up to the museum directors who stand their ground and support new ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anneleith.com

Image Credits

Ed Lederman