Heidi Ann Harner

I believe our souls need beauty to thrive. The vast, endless beauty like the light of sunshine, the blue ocean water, a field of wildflowers, or a starry sky. The elements, forms, colors, and themes of nature continually make their way into my abstract paintings. My process is one of trial and error, and finally, contentment and joy when each painting says it’s ready for the world.

I usually begin with variations from nature's forms, which could be a tree, a leaf, or a simple color theme. The process continues as I create a framework, using line, texture, and layering, on which to build a structure that is both grounded and free. My goal is to never copy nature, but interpret its essence.

I work primarily in oil and mixed media on gallery-wrapped canvas or cradled panels in various sizes. I hope you feel joy and peace in my paintings in the way I do when I’m working through the process. I resonate with the 19th century painter Camille Pisarro who said: “When you put all your soul into a work, all that is noble in you, you cannot fail to find a kindred soul who understands you...Is not that all an artist should wish for?”