Ann spent her formative years in Seattle, where her mother’s art had a profound influence on her, however, she never received formal training until she relocated to Hawaii. There, she sought out a watercolor artist who taught her the fundamentals. During her training, she instantly fell in love with the medium and has remained devoted to it ever since. The vibrant colors and breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii inspired her to incorporate a diverse palette into her work, with a particular emphasis on nature, florals, and sea life, especially turtles. Later, she returned to the Pacific Northwest , where she adapted her color palette to reflect the local aesthetic (many shades of gray), while still incorporating occasional bursts of vibrant color.

In 2022, Ann relocated to Summerville, South Carolina, where she has been captivated by the region’s stunning sunrises and sunsets, beaches, marshes, wildlife, and foliage and flowers, including the iconic palmetto trees. Ann believes that her experiences living in various locations has significantly influenced and challenged her art, ultimately contributing to her growth as an artist.

Since moving to South Carolina, Ann has become a member of the Summerville Artist Guild, having been featured in several exhibitions and even becoming an Award-Winning artist. Her work has been showcased in galleries, publications, and commissioned pieces. As a self-described social introvert, Ann seeks to create a sense of peace and calm through her paintings , which evoke a serene, tranquil, and warm atmosphere. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, Ann hopes to share her calming and peaceful art with others.

Ann’s artwork can be found here on Three Palette Gallery, on her website at www.annhurstart.net, as well as at the Art on the Square Gallery in Downtown Summerville and various exhibitions throughout the Greater Charleston area.

For those interested in learning watercolor or hiring Ann for commission work, you can contact her through email at annhurstart@gmail.com or via the contact form found here.