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Early Life and Education

Ann was born in Milwaukee, WI and lived some time in Hawaii. During those years she had a big impact from the different types of beautiful things she saw in nature. She wanted to learn more about nature so she decided to get an education in Life Sciences. The study she did has given her a great base to build upon in order to keep observing and understanding what makes up her work today.


She taught school for several years after college. While she taught, she also continued to have her own interest as well as share her interest with the children.

Discovering a Passion for Pastel

Pastels would be Ann's primary creative medium; and even though she had explored other forms of art during the course of many years, this one ultimately became the most exciting for her.


She found that the rich colors, textured feel, as well as the flexibility of pastels provided an ability to express through her artistry not just how beautiful the landscape is but also how it made her feel. Through her fingers and hands in applying layer after layer of pigment, she created a method of creating works of art which were uniquely hers; and featured the luminosity of color, atmospheric qualities, and a sense of depth in each painting.

Expanding into Children’s Literature

Life in the Pacific Northwest

The location where Ann lives is a dramatic shoreline area of the Pacific Northwest. The coastline here has many features that include wildlife, varied weather, and some of the most beautiful land formations. Her home's surroundings provide her with new sources of inspiration each day. She uses these influences by going for walks along the coastal trails; visits to local farms and seeing animals; and drawing outside, in order to gather ideas from the different types of environments she encounters daily.


Ann’s work reflects the rhythm of the sunrise and the changing seasons in addition to the rhythm of nature found in her home and surroundings. Her work can be viewed as a visual journal of the place that inspires her.

An Artistic Vision Rooted in Nature

As she walks through fields, forests, shorelines, and open landscapes, she absorbs the sights, sounds, colors, and textures that later become part of her paintings. Her goal is not simply to reproduce a scene but to communicate the emotion and energy she experiences in those moments.


Using color and form, she strives to create artwork that allows viewers to feel connected to the beauty, movement, and spirit of the natural world.


Themes frequently found in her work include:

Coastal Landscapes

This is a collection of photographs inspired from my time spent on islands, along coastlines, and experiencing how constantly in motion the land and water are to one another.

Wildlife

Photography inspired by wildlife and the ecosystem that exists uniquely in the Pacific Northwest.

Rural Beauty

Studying photography of rural areas (farms, open fields) to create a sense of peace and a tranquil atmosphere through photographs.

Light and Atmosphere

Investigating how light affects our perception of the landscape during various times of year, day/night, as well as seasonal changes.

Author and Illustrator

Ann is also an illustrator of children's books. She illustrated the children's book Granny's Clan: A Tale of Wild Orcas.


Through this book, Ann creates a window into the wonderful world of wild orcas for young readers. At the same time she encourages an awareness of the ocean and its inhabitants, and fosters an understanding of how important it is to protect them through conservation efforts. Her love for art, nature and teaching combine in Ann's illustrations creating an entertaining experience for both children and their families.

Sharing Art with the Community

Sharing Art with the Community

She is also represented at Orcas Island Artworks; where you may view her artwork as part of an ongoing collection that includes many fine local artists.


She will continue to express her passion for art through public displays at various galleries and exhibitions throughout the region. Her goal is to create awareness for the arts among those people who appreciate and support local talent. She believes that all of us have the potential to develop our creative side.Artist Statement


“I love to be outside: walking in the fields, farms, trails and coastline near our home. As I walk and sketch, the sights, sounds, smells and weather all envelop and inspire me. Using color and form I am attempting to visually interpret this natural world in a way that the viewer can feel and enjoy. Nature’s power and sense of joy is a recurring theme that I love to paint.”

A Philosophy That Guides Her Work

A quote from Claude Monet that has been very meaningful to how Ann approaches her work as an artist and her life reads as follows:


“I have no other wish than a close fusion with nature and I desire no other fate than to have worked and lived in harmony with her laws.”


This quote defines the heart of what it means to operate as Ann Jones Studio, creating each painting with a deep love for and respect of nature and a sincere attempt to share that beauty with others.

Explore the World Through Art

Learn about some of the places, animals, and natural scenery that give rise to inspiration from Ann's work. Experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through Ann's many vibrant pastel landscape and animal paintings which evoke a sense of feeling through light and color.