Poet David Hassler, one of the founders, says art helps us move from “what we know” to “what we feel.” Scientific reports explain what’s happening to forests, rivers, wildlife, and climate systems. Art and poetry let us actually feel these changes. They make the abstract real and tangible, something we can experience. Art doesn’t replace science, but it brings science into our hearts. That’s where real change begins.

What stood out to me in the article was Hassler’s idea of poetry as “the lichens of activism.” Just as lichens slowly turn rock into soil, a painting, poem, or song rarely changes the world overnight. Instead, they invite us to think, reflect, and question our assumptions. While the impact may be hard to measure right away, these small shifts can, over time, greatly influence our values, behavior, and culture.

Environmental art alone won’t change the world or stop climate change, but it can help build awareness, wonder, empathy, and care for nature. Every artwork that helps someone notice a wetland, love a bird, protect a forest, or feel connected to the living world adds to a larger cultural shift. Change begins with how we see things. Art can help us see the world differently and quietly support a society that values and protects nature.

This idea is at the heart of my latest collection, What the Small Things Know. The paintings focus on the quiet, often overlooked survival strategies of tiny worlds found living on the forest floor, in the undergrowth, and in underwater habitats. In these small places, resilience, tenacity, adaptation, and community help life continue even in tough times. It’s a reminder that strength is rarely about the individual. To thrive, we need to be part of a community and a network. That’s the lesson in resilience, belonging, and care I hope to share with this collection.

You can view the collection by clicking HERE.

This article was inspired by “Dear Human, Poetry Might Save Us from the Apocalypse” by Paul Smaglik, published in Nautilus. Read the full article here.

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The feel of a paintbrush in my hand brings me back to myself. After years spent raising children, the first time I returned to painting felt both awkward and exciting. Colors leapt out at me, my hands uncertain but eager, and time seemed to dissolve as I lost myself in playing with paint. It brought me back to my childhood, a time when I didn’t need a reason to create something with my hands. I like to call this a moment of whimsy.

I believe a contented life needs a little whimsy, the kind that doesn’t try to justify itself or earn its keep. It’s the spark that reminds us we’re human, not machines, and that joy doesn’t have to be productive to matter.

Why whimsy keeps us grounded

How we lose it

How we bring it back

The same thing happens when someone takes up a new creative hobby, especially one that’s tactile and immersive, like encaustic painting. There’s a childlike wonder in melting wax, layering color, carving texture, and watching a piece evolve under your hands. It’s messy, sensory, and deeply grounding. It’s also why I love teaching beginners: you can see the moment whimsy returns to their faces.

For many collectors, the hardest part of acquiring new art isn’t the investment. It’s the uncertainty.

You stand in a beautifully designed room, knowing something is missing. You want a piece that elevates the space, reflects your taste, and feels deeply personal — but you don’t want to choose the wrong work or settle for something that doesn’t resonate long‑term. I hear this problem from people looking for original art all the time.

This hesitation is more common than you think. Even seasoned collectors experience it. And the truth is simple: choosing art isn’t about matching colors or following trends. It’s about understanding the feeling you want your home to hold.

Below is a clear, thoughtful way to approach your next acquisition — one that brings clarity, confidence, and joy back into the process.

Start With the Emotion You Want the Room to Hold

Every room carries an emotional temperature. Some spaces ask for calm. Others want energy, warmth, or a sense of quiet luxury.

Before you look at a single artwork, pause in the room and ask yourself:

• What do I want to feel when I walk in?
• What do I want guests to feel?
• What is this room missing — light, texture, depth, serenity?

This emotional starting point is what separates a decorated home from a curated one.

For example, I know when a collector comes to me they are looking for a piece that will add a sense of calm, joy, and luminosity found in nature to their space. And, they want something unique that you wouldn’t find anywhere else that plays as a focal point in the room.

Let the Artwork Lead, Not the Furniture

High‑end collectors know this instinctively: furniture fills a room, but art defines it.

Instead of searching for a piece that “matches,” look for one that echoes the feeling you identified. A work with luminous color can bring life to a quiet space. A textured, atmospheric piece can soften a room full of clean lines. A bold composition can anchor a large, open area.

When you choose art based on emotion rather than coordination, the entire room becomes more intentional — and more personal. For instance, hanging a painting that reminds you of a favorite family vacation spot tells a story that instantly adds life your home and starts a conversation with guests.

Trust What You Keep Returning To

Collectors often underestimate the power of instinct. If you find yourself returning to a piece again and again, there’s a reason. Something in it is speaking to you — color, movement, texture, memory, or simply the way it makes you breathe differently.

Your instinct is already curating for you.

The most meaningful collections are built not from impulse, but from resonance.

The Transformation: When Art Becomes Part of Your Life

When you choose art this way, something shifts.

Rooms feel calmer. More alive. More like you. Your home becomes a place that supports you — not just a place you live. And  your collection becomes a reflection of your evolution, not just your taste.

This is the quiet power of intentional collecting.

Next Steps in Finding Your Perfect Piece

For many collectors, the hardest part is simply knowing where to begin. You may already have a vision for your home, or you may just have a feeling — a desire for more depth, more beauty, more intention in the spaces you live with every day. That’s where thoughtful guidance makes all the difference.

Getting started is simple:

• Begin with a conversation. Share the rooms you’re thinking about, the emotions you want them to hold, and the kinds of pieces you’re drawn to.
• Explore a curated selection. I’ll pull works from my portfolio that align with your taste, your home, and the atmosphere you want to create — pieces chosen with care, not algorithms. Or, we can discuss having a piece commissioned.
• See the art in context. Whether through a private studio visit or personalized mockups, you’ll be able to envision how each piece transforms your space.
• Move at your own pace. There’s no rush. Collecting should feel thoughtful, grounded, and deeply personal.

If you’re beginning to imagine how art could shift the feeling of your home, you’re welcome to reach out. I’m always happy to offer insight, share available work, or help you explore what might belong in your space. No pressure, no urgency — just a thoughtful conversation whenever you’re ready.

Anne Stine is a professional artist based in the Washington DC area who enjoys working with collectors, designers, and curators to elevate spaces with joyful, luminous, meaningful art fom nature. To learn more about Anne Stine click HERE

To view her portfolio click HERE

Contact Anne HERE

Every home has its own quiet rhythm, but art is what gives that rhythm a heartbeat. As an artist, I’ve seen how a single painting can shift the entire feeling of a room. It can soften a modern space, energize a neutral palette, or bring a sense of calm to a busy corner. Designers know this instinctively. Art is not an afterthought. It is the element that brings meaning, depth, and personality into a home. When chosen with intention, it becomes the soul of the space.

1. Art Sets the Mood

Before the pillows, before the accessories, before the final styling touches, art is what establishes the emotional tone of a room. A luminous abstract can brighten a quiet space. A bold piece can add drama. A soft, atmospheric painting can create a sense of rest. Art influences how a room feels the moment you step inside.

2. Art Makes a Space Personal

Furniture makes a room functional, but art makes it yours. A painting you love becomes a reflection of your story. It carries memory, curiosity, and identity. When art is present, a home feels lived in rather than staged. It becomes a place where your experiences and values quietly shine through.

3. Art Adds Depth Through Layering

Layering is essential in interior design, and art is one of the most powerful layers you can add. It introduces texture, movement, and dimension. A richly textured painting can soften architectural lines. A piece with strong color can bring balance to a neutral palette. Art works in harmony with materials like wood, stone, metal, and fabric, creating a more dynamic and inviting environment.

4. Art Creates Cohesion

A well chosen piece of art can tie an entire room together. Its palette can guide textiles and accessories. Its shapes and gestures can echo through lighting, ceramics, or sculptural objects. When art leads, the rest of the space feels intentional rather than assembled. It becomes the thread that connects every layer.

5. Art Completes the Room

A room without art often feels unfinished, like a sentence missing its final line. Art adds atmosphere. It gives the eye a place to rest. It brings warmth and soul in a way nothing else can. When art enters a space, the room finally feels whole.

If you’re looking to bring more meaning, texture, and presence into your home or design project, I invite you to explore my portfolio. Collectors and interior designers are welcome to reach out for details about a specific painting or to discuss a commissioned piece created especially for your space.

Anne Stine is a mixed media artist specializing in large-format encaustic artwork inspired by nature. Read more about her story HERE.

From Anne Stine’s Studio Journal

There’s something about the start of a new year that makes me crave stillness. Not silence exactly, but that deeper kind of quiet—the kind you feel in your chest when you step beneath tall trees and the world softens around you. Lately, I’ve been reading Something in the Woods Loves You by Jarod Anderson. It’s a touching and truly inspiring read of how he found healing in nature during the darkest times in his life. His writing reminds me that the forest isn’t just a place we visit. It’s a presence. A friend. A steadying force that welcomes us back without asking for anything in return. And we can find our own personal meaning amongst the trees if we open ourselves to the experience.

As we all move into a new year hoping for more peace, clarity, and grounding, I wanted to share how walking in the woods has become one of the most healing and inspiring rituals in my life—and how it continues to shape my art, my mindset, and my sense of belonging.

Why the Forest Heals Us

forest therapy • nature healing • walking in the woods

For most of my life,  I’ve trekked out into the forests of northern Virginia to find something new and interesting, find peace during stressful times, and gather inspiration to create something artsy. This practice now has an official term. Forest therapy—sometimes called shinrin‑yoku or forest bathing—is the simple practice of slowing down and letting the natural world soothe your nervous system. No agenda. No performance. Just presence.

I’m diving into these resources to learn more about the science behind my favorite practice:

• In The Nature Fix, Florence Williams explains how nature restores our focus and lowers stress.
• Dr. Qing Li’s research on forest bathing shows measurable benefits to our immune system and mood.
• Robin Wall Kimmerer, in Braiding Sweetgrass, reminds us that attention is a form of love—and that the natural world responds when we show up with curiosity and care.

My Own Walks: A Reset Button for the Mind

hiking for mental health • creative mindfulness

Over the years, hiking has become my reset button. When my mind feels cluttered or my creative energy gets tangled, I head for the trails near home. There’s a moment—usually ten minutes in—when the noise in my head begins to dissolve. The rhythm of walking, the smell of damp leaves, the hush of winter branches… it all works like a gentle recalibration.

These walks have become part of my studio practice. I don’t go out looking for ideas, but they always seem to find me anyway. A pattern of lichen on a fallen log. The way roots twist around stone. The soft architecture of moss. These small encounters make their way into my paintings, especially the new series of woodland abstractions I’m exploring now.

The forest teaches me to look closer, to slow down, to trust the quiet.

Why Trees Calm Us (Even When Life Feels Anything But Calm)

nature healing benefits • walking meditation

You don’t need research to know the forest works its magic, but here are a few truths I love:

• The scent of pine and soil naturally lowers stress.
• Natural patterns—branches, bark, leaf veins—give our minds something soothing to follow.
• The forest’s slower pace helps us breathe differently.
• Being surrounded by something bigger than ourselves reminds us we’re not alone.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “In the woods, we return to reason and faith.” I feel that every time I step onto the trail.

How Forest Walks Feed My Creative Life

nature‑inspired art • artist inspiration from nature

Every time I return to the studio after a walk, I feel more grounded. More open. More willing to follow where the work wants to go. The forest has become a collaborator of sorts—offering textures, colors, metaphors, and a sense of calm that I carry back to the art table.

My art has always been rooted in nature, but these walks have deepened that connection. They remind me that creativity isn’t something we force. It’s something we allow. Below is a photo I shot while hiking and the gouache sketch that it inspired.

An Invitation for Your Own Slow Walk

mindful walking • forest therapy practice

If you’re craving peace as you step into this new year, try taking a slow walk in the woods. Not a hike with a goal. Just a wander.

Notice one color.
One sound.
One texture.
Let the forest set the pace.

You might be surprised by what softens inside you.

Come Back to the Studio With Me

studio journal • creative inspiration blog

If this reflection resonated with you, I’d love for you to explore more of my world. You can visit my website at annestine.com to view my latest artwork, learn more about my process, and see how these forest walks continue to shape each new series I create.

You’re also welcome to follow along on Instagram @annestinefineart, where I share behind‑the‑scenes moments from the studio, works in progress, nature‑inspired details, and glimpses of the trails that keep me grounded.

And if you’d like to be the first to know about new art releases, upcoming workshops, exhibitions, and special events, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter. It’s the best way to stay connected—and I always try to make it a peaceful, inspiring note in your inbox.

Here’s to a year filled with creativity, calm, and the quiet magic of the woods.

Stream of Life, 24″x36″, encaustic on wood panel

Abstract art is all about expressing emotion and creativity through design. Today, I’d like to share some insights into the seven elements of design—cornerstones that every artist uses, whether consciously or intuitively. To illustrate these, I’ll break down how I applied them while creating the painting shared above, “Stream of Life.” I hope this insight helps you, as an art collector, better understand and appreciate the thought and creativity behind abstract art.

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of abstract art by exploring how the seven elements of design bring creative expression to “Stream of Life,” one of my new encaustic paintings included in the “River’s Journey” collection. This piece captures the essence of the Potomac River’s turbulent path along the rocky falls at Great Falls Park in northern Virginia, blending movement, emotion, and metaphorical storytelling. Here’s how I used the elements of design to shape this work:

LINE: Lines guide the viewer’s eye and suggest motion within the painting. In this painting, fluid, flowing lines represent the river’s meandering path, while shorter, textured lines evoke the energy of water rushing over rocks.

SHAPE:  Organic shapes dominate this piece, mimicking the natural curves and formations of a river’s surroundings. Geometric touches, like circular streaks in the water, add a sense of swirling movement and bring a modern edge to the composition.

COLOR: Color breathes life into art. Here, rich blues and soft whites mirror the tranquility of water, while hints of red and orange introduce warmth and contrast and encourage movement of the eye around the panel.

TEXTURE: Texture is crucial to creating depth and interest. The encaustic method of layered wax medium allowed me to build up rich textures, giving the rocks a tactile quality and the river a smooth yet undulating surface.

SPACE: Space balances the painting, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. The openness of the water contrasts with the denser elements of the landscape, creating a harmonious interplay between negative and positive space.

FORM: Form brings dimension, making flat shapes feel three-dimensional. Subtle shading within the river and the surrounding land adds volume, giving the scene a sense of depth with a touch of realism while staying true to its abstract roots.

VALUE: The use of light and dark values enhances the painting’s dynamics. Highlights along the river suggest shimmering reflections, while deeper tones in the rocks anchor the composition, drawing your eye around the panel.

“In River’s Journey,  I invite viewers to reflect on the river not just as a natural feature, but as a metaphor for life—ever-moving, ever-changing, and shaped by the contours of its path.” — Anne Stine

The Potomac and Shenandoah rivers near my home have always been a source of inspiration and comfort for me all my life. Whenever I visit, I feel rejuvenated and creatively refreshed.  Through these encaustic paintings, I invite viewers to embark on their own journey with the river, to lose themselves in its depths and find solace in its currents.

A river’s journey, from a tiny stream to its merging with the open waters, feels a lot like the story of life itself. That’s the idea behind my encaustic painting collection, “River’s Journey.” Each piece reflects the river’s path and, in turn, our own experiences as we navigate this crazy, beautiful thing called life.  Through each encaustic painting, the river becomes not just a physical presence but a reminder of the resilience and grace that define the human spirit.

A river starts small, just like we do. From its source, it bubbles up, full of energy, carving its way through whatever lies ahead. It’s the perfect metaphor for our early years—innocent, vibrant, figuring things out as we go. Every rock or tree root it encounters shapes its course, just like the challenges and lessons we face help shape who we are. Life is full of twists and turns. These moments challenge us, shape us, and ultimately make our journey compelling and worthwhile. The encaustic process, with its ability to blend and fuse layers seamlessly, beautifully mirrors this continuous motion and the evolution that comes with it.

As it continues, the river gets wider and deeper. It gains momentum, meets tributaries along the way, and grows stronger. Over time, we expand too—our relationships, experiences, and knowledge all adding to the richness of our lives. That’s the part I love to capture in my encaustic paintings—those layers of texture and color that mimic the depth and complexity of both rivers and people.

Finally, there’s the destination. For a river, it’s the open waters, where it finds freedom and becomes part of something bigger. For us, it’s reaching a place where we can look back and feel at peace with the journey we’ve traveled—whether that’s a milestone moment or just a quiet sense of fulfillment. It’s a beautiful reminder that endings aren’t really endings—they’re transitions into something new.

View the collection by clicking on the image below.

Please contact me for the paintings availability and pricing.

If you would like to see more of my work go to https://www.annestine.com. I send out a “Collectors Alert” email once a month announcing newly available artwork. You can sign up HERE to join this list.

Follow me on Instagram at @annestinefineart for the latest behind-the-scenes posts.

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

Was there a specific age in your life when your love for nature sparked your interest in art?

Are you self-taught, did you take classes on your own, or did you earn a degree in art? 

What is your physical process when creating art? What is your technique when using natural resin and wax?

Encaustic medium allows me to express the actual intensity, fluidity, and various textures found in

Anne fuses an encaustic painting using a blowtorch as part of her process.

natural environments more than any other medium I’ve come across. My nontraditional combination of mixed media and encaustic painting materials and techniques incorporates a “unique” component to each of my pieces. I begin by creating an underpainting on a wood panel using such materials as chalk paint, alcohol ink, pan pastels, and wax pencil to establish my composition. Then I begin adding layers of encaustic paint ( a combination of molten beeswax, natural resin called “damar”, and pigment) to add depth and accentuate color and shape. Each layer of wax is then fused with a blowtorch to the panel to make the wax adhere to the surface and allow it to flow and drip. Finally, I sometimes add other elements, such as pebbles, sand, twigs, and other natural found objects, or add details with oil stick. It’s the unpredictable qualities of the encaustic process that really inspire me to push the limits of my medium and imagination.

On average, how long does it take you to complete a piece, or does it vary according to the sentimentality or topic put into the piece?

From studying a few of your pieces, I’ve noticed you emphasize texture. Do you create a different texture based on a specific feeling each place gives you?

Texture plays a big role in my work. I use the medium to mimic textures in nature in some of my paintings that are more representational, such as a smooth sky that I create using a snowboard iron, or a rough pebbled beach where I build the wax texture using a splattering technique. My more abstract paintings incorporate texture as a visual form where I juxtapose smooth and rough textures next to each other or give an area more visual emphasis. In either case, I use texture as a tangible way to evoke viewers the desire to reach out and touch my work! (Yes, it is allowed. Wax is very durable.)

What is one way you’d like to improve your work?

Are there specific situations or places that inspire your pieces that you can remember?

I’ve been inspired by so many beautiful places around the east coast. However, the beaches, bays, and marshes of North Carolina are becoming a place of true inspiration and deep serenity. My family vacations each summer at Topsail, NC, to enjoy the scenery and visit family who lives there. I hope to devote more time to painting the beautiful sea along the North Caroline coast in the future.

What are your art goals for the future?

click the image above to access the collection

“Call for Sweet Water” delves into the interplay of color, form, and visual texture, offering an immersive and contemplative experience. My unique process involves painting layers of mixed media and encaustic beeswax onto wood panels, then fusing each layer with a blowtorch. This technique allows me to create vivid hues and dramatic textures that capture the serene yet dynamic essence of water.

The title, “Call for Sweet Water”, is inspired by a line from one of Shakespeare’s plays, highlighting the importance of rejuvenating and conserving our waterways. As a native of the Washington Metropolitan Area, I draw deep inspiration from the natural scenery around me.

Th

is passion for nature, combined with my love of the unpredictable qualities of encaustic, inspires me to push my imagination and creativity. By allowing the wax to naturally flow when heated, I evoke the movement and energy of water, creating pieces that are both visually stunning and provoking memories.

I invite you to experience “Call for Sweet Water” and explore the beauty and complexity of water through this collection of 24 encaustic abstract waterscapes on view through December 1, 2024. Join me at the gallery for a special reception on Saturday, November 16, from 4-7 pm, and a Meet the Artist open

 house on Sunday, November 30, from 2-4 pm.

Please contact me for the paintings availability and pricing.

If you would like to see more of my work go to https://www.annestine.com. I send out a “Collectors Alert” email once a month announcing newly available artwork. You can sign up HERE to join this list.

Follow me on Instagram at @annestinefineart for the latest behind-the-scenes posts.