ANNA BRYSON HECK

Born December 3, 1991.

Anna is an artist based in Brooklyn, New York.   With an interest in travel, and love of nature, Anna started painting at a young age. 

During her studies, Anna began a shift from representational to a conceptual approach.  Human and animal emotions, forms, and imperfections are what inspire her work.  A story can be realized in the layers of painting.  The depths of emotion are demonstrated in the layered texture, experimental technique, and intense color.

Anna graduated with a BA from Gettysburg College with a major in Studio Art. During that time, she studied abroad for six months at the University of the Arts London (U.A.L.) in the Fine Arts program at Chelsea College of Art and Design. After graduating from Gettysburg College in 2014, Anna moved to a small surf town in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica for eight months, where she picked up inspiration from her surroundings and local artists. Anna now resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where she continues to develop her practice as an artist.

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self-portrait from above

This self-portrait was my most memorable and exciting breakthrough as an artist. It was my first major step in breaking away from “surface” realism. I was encouraged to forget about the beige in my skin tone, and focus on the rainbow of contrasting and complimentary colors that make up my face. This discovery changed the way I approached painting all subject matter. My style became expressive with a mix of bold colors and confident brush strokes. Painting began to feel more personal, meaningful, and exciting as I continued to push beyond the surface of my subjects. With this step beyond technical proficiency, I began to feel that no matter the subject, all of my paintings were allegorical self portraits. Beginning with this piece, each painting has become a unique journey of self expression and creative discovery.