Art & Life with Annemarie Comes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annemarie Comes.

Annemarie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My artistic journey formally began back in my college days. I was submerged in Art in my home state (Ohio) getting a Bachelors of Fine Art and a Bachelor of Science in Art Education degree. During my training in college I had the wonderful opportunity to travel abroad to Europe to study Photography and Fibers. It was there in Italy where I was inspired to capture the beauty of my surroundings. The magic of the darkroom and art labs in Italy will always be remembered and cherished. I was also able to see the art in several other countries and capture the essence of the old world there too.

After being strongly impacted by all of the incredible works of art by the Masters, I felt the draw to return to Italy/Europe again. It was the summer after my senior year of graduating that I received a scholarship to study abroad in Florence again. Art History in Florence was a special on-site study experience. Meeting up with my instructor at the “Bronze Doors” of the Duomo to study each and every scene was so different from the Art History I had in the past.

I began my career as an art educator the next fall. It was in the classroom that I was really able to bring my art, travel and photography together. I found my self sharing videos of myself narrating Monet’s Garden in France and then actually building a small version of Monet’s Garden in our lobby. My students not only learned about the artist, but were inspired to build his Japanese Bridge, Paint a mural of his pink house and form waterlily sculptures. I also encouraged my students to lay on the floor and paint under tables like Michelangelo did in the Sistine Chapel. The experience of paint dripping down on them was quite memorable. They will never forget the amazing frescos that Michelangelo created. Light painting, darkroom techniques and more also happened as I shared lessons on Photography.

In addition to inspiring students with my travel experience, I was able to teach the foundations of Photoshop in class. Photoshop was a staple as students learned how to incorporate design, technology and art history into their projects. Taking my high school group abroad on an “Art Tour” to Spain and Italy was a wonderful experience, a way to tie all their learning about the Masters and artistic technique together. There was nothing like watching my students finally see the Masters’ works with their own eyes on site. Oh so rewarding!

I continue to capture the beauty of our world with the camera. Still my interest lies with inspiring others. Sharing images daily on Instagram (@viz_pic_annemarie_comes) and Facebook (Annemarie Comes Visual Imagery-Fine Art Photos) allows me to share the world once again, but in a different way. I love to share facts about our wonderful Arizona or facts about exotic places I have been fortunate enough to see. Teaching/sharing will always be part of my world. I enjoy sharing techniques on design/composition, how to build a darkroom through short videos or information about how to find hidden gems in our beautiful state.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
The focus of my photography is to capture the beauty of the world through my eyes. My goal is to be in the moment and to “freeze” that moment in time. It may be capturing the beauty of nature in various light and weather conditions or simply capturing the beauty of a historic site here in Arizona so others can learn about that site or structure. It could simply be a stormy day where gorgeous clouds linger overtop of the Superstition Mountains that draw me to them or unusual light may be reflecting on a lake nearby.

If the light rays embedded in one of my sunrise captures can brighten someones day, then my mission is accomplished. If someone heads out into nature over the weekend to hike a mountain that they may have seen in one of my images, then my mission is accomplished.

Computers and Social media have changed the way information can be shared. Youth, disabled and even older individuals can view places they may never have had the chance to see in the past. I hope that my artwork will continue to always inspire others to create themselves or to get out on a new adventure.

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Be true to who you are always! If you follow your passion, good things will come. With hard work and perseverance….remember that ANYTHING is possible! (It just won’t happen overnight)

There are so many ways to network and connect with other artists/photographers on social media nowadays. Research meet up groups, connect with other artists similar to yourself and open your mind to others that are different from you too. Embrace the tool of social media and discover/learn as much as you can.

I believe that learning happens when it is supposed to happen. It can’t be rushed, but is rather a building process. I can say that jumping in and doing what you love is key. Do not put off using a great camera you might be intimidated by, and don’t put off that trip to Europe! The more you “shoot” or “create”…..the better you will be at it!

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can view my artwork on my web site at annemariecomes.com or on my Social Media. (Instagram/Facebook) Images can be purchased through my website if desired. Feel free to contact me through my web site/social media for custom images that you might have viewed online. Collaboration is welcomed too.

I share photographs daily on my social media and would love your daily support. That is absolutely what keeps me sharing. You can also support my work by commenting on the images or sharing them on your own personal social media. It is additionally rewarding when my work is featured in local magazines, on larger social media networks or by word of mouth.

Over the past year, I have been fortunate to have had my work shared by several local news stations. These platforms allow many to enjoy some of Arizona’s hidden gems, and for this I am so grateful. There is nothing better than shooting a slot canyon under the night stars and for that image to be shared with so many who may never make it there in their lifetime.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artistannemarie.com/about/
• Email: art@artistannemarie.com
• Instagram: @viz_pic_annemarie_comes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VizPic23/?ref=bookmarks

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.