Ann Robson
September 2025
Ann is a visual artist working in drawing and painting media, with a current focus on landscapes. She studied art and maintained a creative practice before and after moving to Canada in 1976. Her interest in artistic development led to study and work in the field of psychology. After relocating to British Columbia, the compelling beauty of this place led to a renewal of both her art practice and her interest in the interface between art and psychology. She has completed Drawing and Painting certificates at ECUAD and continues her learning through individual easel time, group studies in painting, and opportunities to display and discuss her work with others. Ann is a member of Portside Studios in Vancouver and has opportunities for creative work during time spent on Gabriola Island. She is grateful for the opportunity to live and work on the traditional Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh (Vancouver) and Snuneymuxw (Gabriola) lands.
Ann is inspired by landscape artists who continue to find meaning and value in this genre. She has a longstanding interest in the psychological aspects (perceptions, cognitions, emotions) of experiences in the natural environment and of viewing landscape imagery. Due to concerns about climate change, her thinking and practice have expanded to include a focus on the potential for landscape imagery to create a meaningful subjective experience, a feeling of connection to the natural world, and a resulting commitment to protect it. Her paintings and drawings are united by her belief in that potential. In her practice, this involves incorporating different visual perspectives on the landscape. These different perspectives include both ‘moving out’ to a distant aerial perspective and ‘moving in’ towards a closer examination of features of the natural world. Conceptually and visually, these unique perspectives can reveal aspects of the natural world that might not be noted or appreciated. Her works are inspired by observation, subjective experience, and reference images, and are fueled by memory, imagination, and hope.
“The SAR Residency was my first residency experience and offered me a timely opportunity for both exploration and a re-set in my practice. As a landscape artist, the new, unique landscape of the Similkameen Valley was captivating. The surroundings of the comfortable, lovely log house offered chances for walking, exploring, re-visiting, and documenting through photos and drawings. Exploring the riverside and the surrounding landscape areas were equally engaging. The residency opportunity for periods of self-directed, focused creative time – thinking, planning, and working – was a gift, as was the chance to meet other artists and learn about their creative work. By the end of the residency period, I had created some new works and had developed several ideas for future works. I look forward to returning to SAR in the future. All of these experiences were possible due to the generosity of the Freybe family and the positive presence, thoughtful planning, and support offered by Ali Bischoff, Residency Manager. Sincere thanks to you all. ”
Ann Robson, Testimonial
