We recently connected with Anna Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Anna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Ultimately, I’m deeply satisfied with my creative career, though, like my artist’s palette, it’s not always black and white. On the positive side, being my own boss is a great fit for managing life with two young children. I get to earn money doing what I love and take immense pride in my accomplishments.

However, the downside of self-employment is the unpredictability of income; each month can vary significantly. The financial ups and downs are not the only challenge. Because I’ve poured so much of myself into my work, I’m emotionally invested in my business. This connection means I don’t simply clock out at the end of the day; instead, I’m driven to put in the extra hours needed to succeed.

Anna, 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’m a 42 year old female artist, business mum and military wife and I’m pleased to say enjoying every moment!

I started my artistic journey at Wimbledon School of Art, but life’s many twists led me to a career in the dental industry. After nine years and a stint on maternity leave, my husband encouraged me to follow my passion, and that’s how Anna Anderson Art was born!

I feel that my profession works well with our military life! Despite moving house and continent every 2-3 years, my website and social media offer a consistent touchpoint for my art. Creating an online presence and a portable profession has been crucial for our lifestyle as a military family, allowing me to adapt to our frequent relocations.

My work is often influenced by my surroundings, and it’s fascinating to see how my subjects and styles have evolved with my location. Currently, we’re based in Virginia, where I’m inspired by local scenery and iconic landmarks. Over time, my style and medium have evolved. My work has become looser and more illustrative, with a playful, freehand approach to linework that I like to call the “perfectly askew effect.” Interestingly, this style has resonated more with my audience compared to my earlier, more precise works.
There is however one thing that has remained in all my paintings, which is birds! I enjoy incorporating seagulls and native brown pelicans to my scenes, adding a sense of fun and movement!

I take pride in using my art to support charitable causes. My original paintings have been transformed into 100 limited edition prints, available for purchase on my website. One recent painting from my Virginia Beach series features the iconic Navy SEAL Monument. I’m thrilled to donate 15% of the profits from these limited edition prints to the Navy SEAL Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy SEALs, honoring their legacy, and supporting their families. I hope that through my art, I can contribute to this remarkable cause!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In February of this year, we made the move from a quaint village in Cambridgeshire, England, to the bustling city of Virginia Beach, US.

Back in the UK, my business was thriving, having become well-established over time. However, transitioning to a new country where I was virtually unknown felt like facing an insurmountable challenge.

Despite the daunting task of starting anew, I decided to apply the successful business model I had developed in the UK to my new American venture. I spent the initial months preparing while awaiting my work permit.

There was much to be done: purchasing new equipment, sourcing materials, conducting research, updating my website—the list seemed endless. Yet, the process was exhilarating, offering fresh inspiration with a whole state to explore.

By July, I was ready to launch my Virginia Beach series, and since then, my business has been on an exciting upward trajectory!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being creative is that at the age of 42, I’m finally realizing a lifelong ambition of becoming a professional artist.

In my 20s and 30s, I struggled with shyness and lacked the confidence to share my art and myself with the world.

My childhood dream seemed out of reach, and there came a point where I stopped creating altogether.

Fortunately, with my husband’s encouragement and motivation, I rediscovered my passion for painting. In 2015, I took a courageous step outside my comfort zone and began sharing my art with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annaandersonart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaanderson_art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annaandersonart

Image Credits

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