FLOWERS | Annie Salness Artist

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Flowers

Here’s how I begin a new painting series.

Before I paint anything, I spend time collecting inspiration.

I use ChatGPT as a thought partner to explore ideas, and Pinterest as a place to gather images, colors, recipes, and visual references.

Then I print some of my favorite images in black and white, tape them to a board, and step back to see what compositions I’m drawn to.
Once I’ve identified the images that stand out to me, I begin building the still life.

Next step: Building the Still Life!

#anniesalnessart #washcoopenstudios #stilllifepainting #drinkspainting #artistprocess

Here’s how I begin a new painting series.

Before I paint anything, I spend time collecting inspiration.

I use ChatGPT as a thought partner to explore ideas, and Pinterest as a place to gather images, colors, recipes, and visual references.

Then I print some of my favorite images in black and white, tape them to a board, and step back to see what compositions I’m drawn to.
Once I’ve identified the images that stand out to me, I begin building the still life.

Next step: Building the Still Life!

#anniesalnessart #washcoopenstudios #stilllifepainting #drinkspainting #artistprocess

Studio prep for my new “drinks” painting series.
Collecting glasses, vegetables, fruit, herbs, and inspiration for 12 new paintings — and my 2027 calendar!
Now I’d love your ideas! — cocktails, mocktails, coffee, tea, family favorites — and the memories or stories connected to them.

Studio prep for my new “drinks” painting series.
Collecting glasses, vegetables, fruit, herbs, and inspiration for 12 new paintings — and my 2027 calendar!
Now I’d love your ideas! — cocktails, mocktails, coffee, tea, family favorites — and the memories or stories connected to them.

With only one hand to work with, this Baggy Rack Holder has truly been a game changer! From Amazon.

With only one hand to work with, this Baggy Rack Holder has truly been a game changer! From Amazon.

I had the honor of painting a portrait of Cody and Madi’s dogs for their wedding.

My son, Thomas, was Cody’s best man which made this one especially meaningful. Madi surprised him with the painting—such a meaningful gift!

The black lab, Jake, was Cody’s childhood dog, and the white one, Mila, is the one they share together now.

Congratulations Cody & Madi!!!

I had the honor of painting a portrait of Cody and Madi’s dogs for their wedding.

My son, Thomas, was Cody’s best man which made this one especially meaningful. Madi surprised him with the painting—such a meaningful gift!

The black lab, Jake, was Cody’s childhood dog, and the white one, Mila, is the one they share together now.

Congratulations Cody & Madi!!!

Mini Collage Studies is a two-day workshop focused on shape, value, and color—using quick studies to help students trust their instincts and explore multiple directions from a single starting point.

We begin with a split-primary palette (six colors + white), mixing a wide range of color before turning those into collage papers.

Students bring a few black-and-white images to work from—using them to notice big shapes and value relationships before cutting.

From there, the process becomes about arranging, adjusting, and discovering how each composition develops. Even with the same starting point, every piece turns out completely different.
I loved seeing the different directions everyone took!

I’ll be teaching Mini Collage Studies again in April. If you’d like details, feel free to reach out or check the link in my bio.

Mini Collage Studies is a two-day workshop focused on shape, value, and color—using quick studies to help students trust their instincts and explore multiple directions from a single starting point.

We begin with a split-primary palette (six colors + white), mixing a wide range of color before turning those into collage papers.

Students bring a few black-and-white images to work from—using them to notice big shapes and value relationships before cutting.

From there, the process becomes about arranging, adjusting, and discovering how each composition develops. Even with the same starting point, every piece turns out completely different.
I loved seeing the different directions everyone took!

I’ll be teaching Mini Collage Studies again in April. If you’d like details, feel free to reach out or check the link in my bio.

It was cold outside, so Claire and I slipped into the warmth at @laprovence_pdx for brunch - flaky pastry, good coffee, and a mimosa flight unfolding in shades of soft coral, pink. and sunlit citrus glow.
Still researching and planning!
Do you have any spring drinks? I’d love to hear about them!

It was cold outside, so Claire and I slipped into the warmth at @laprovence_pdx for brunch - flaky pastry, good coffee, and a mimosa flight unfolding in shades of soft coral, pink. and sunlit citrus glow.
Still researching and planning!
Do you have any spring drinks? I’d love to hear about them!

Lately, I’ve been revisiting color classes I took as I prep for Mini Collage Studies and Value & Color workshops.

One thing I keep coming back to: the paint store.
I’ll gather color ideas, mix the color and test my mixtures against the paint chips.

When colors sit side by side, your eye learns fast. That’s where real color understanding begins.

When students realize they can actually make that color?
That’s the best moment!

This is where we start in Mini Collage Studies -
March 7-8 and April 11-12

Once you understand color, you don’t need every tube of paint.
With six split primaries, you can mix almost anything!

Mini Collage Studies: link in bio.

Lately, I’ve been revisiting color classes I took as I prep for Mini Collage Studies and Value & Color workshops.

One thing I keep coming back to: the paint store.
I’ll gather color ideas, mix the color and test my mixtures against the paint chips.

When colors sit side by side, your eye learns fast. That’s where real color understanding begins.

When students realize they can actually make that color?
That’s the best moment!

This is where we start in Mini Collage Studies -
March 7-8 and April 11-12

Once you understand color, you don’t need every tube of paint.
With six split primaries, you can mix almost anything!

Mini Collage Studies: link in bio.

Green House, 20”x16”x1.5” acrylic on canvas, available

I’m quick to grab my phone and take a photo when an interesting building or house catches my eye, often while I’m riding along with my husband.
This painting began as one of those photos, cropped down until the shapes, angles, and light felt right. An orange underpainting sits beneath layers of green and blue, quietly warming the surface and peeking through in places. I used rulers to create straight, architectural lines, then softened them with loose brushwork and layered paint.
The result lands somewhere between structure and abstraction — familiar, but not exact.

Green House, 20”x16”x1.5” acrylic on canvas, available

I’m quick to grab my phone and take a photo when an interesting building or house catches my eye, often while I’m riding along with my husband.
This painting began as one of those photos, cropped down until the shapes, angles, and light felt right. An orange underpainting sits beneath layers of green and blue, quietly warming the surface and peeking through in places. I used rulers to create straight, architectural lines, then softened them with loose brushwork and layered paint.
The result lands somewhere between structure and abstraction — familiar, but not exact.

I’m starting new commissions this month—one that’s pushing me to work bigger and think differently. If you’ve been considering a commission, I’d love to start a conversation with you!

I’m starting new commissions this month—one that’s pushing me to work bigger and think differently. If you’ve been considering a commission, I’d love to start a conversation with you!

Each year, I start with a painting series and later turn it into a calendar. Right now, I’m exploring drink ideas for each month, along with color, mood, and simple moments from everyday.

If you have a favorite drink, ingredient, or seasonal ritual that feels tied to a certain month, I’d love to hear it!

More soon as things take shape!

Each year, I start with a painting series and later turn it into a calendar. Right now, I’m exploring drink ideas for each month, along with color, mood, and simple moments from everyday.

If you have a favorite drink, ingredient, or seasonal ritual that feels tied to a certain month, I’d love to hear it!

More soon as things take shape!

This past Saturday I taught my Collage Building Blocks workshop. It was SO much fun!
We focused on color mixing, explored Gelli plates, and used a variety of tools to make collage paper.
I’m teaching another class, Saturday, January 24th, from 10am-2pm. There’s a couple spots left and I'd love you to join me!
Link in bio. 😁

This past Saturday I taught my Collage Building Blocks workshop. It was SO much fun!
We focused on color mixing, explored Gelli plates, and used a variety of tools to make collage paper.
I’m teaching another class, Saturday, January 24th, from 10am-2pm. There’s a couple spots left and I'd love you to join me!
Link in bio. 😁

Starting something new… a set of six 5”x5” collages!
Will they be done by Christmas??? 🤷‍♀️

For now I’m just gathering papers and playing with ideas — the best part of the process!

And if you want to explore collage, I’m teaching Collage Building Blocks (paper-making + textures) and Mini Collage Studies (small, dynamic collage designs) in January and February — and they’re filling up fast!
Link’s in my bio under “Learn”. 😁

Starting something new… a set of six 5”x5” collages!
Will they be done by Christmas??? 🤷‍♀️

For now I’m just gathering papers and playing with ideas — the best part of the process!

And if you want to explore collage, I’m teaching Collage Building Blocks (paper-making + textures) and Mini Collage Studies (small, dynamic collage designs) in January and February — and they’re filling up fast!
Link’s in my bio under “Learn”. 😁

Hello! Here are my 2026 calendars!
I've got the large wall-sized and the mini-sized.
Each month has one of my paintings and a seasonal recipe.
It’s a tradition I love doing every year!
If you’d like to buy one for a gift, the link is in my bio! 😁
Thanks to @machelebrass for her wonderful design and to @cedarhousemedia for printing them!

Hello! Here are my 2026 calendars!
I've got the large wall-sized and the mini-sized.
Each month has one of my paintings and a seasonal recipe.
It’s a tradition I love doing every year!
If you’d like to buy one for a gift, the link is in my bio! 😁
Thanks to @machelebrass for her wonderful design and to @cedarhousemedia for printing them!

Pumpkin
18” x 18” x 1.5”
Mixed media on cradled panel, $475
This painting celebrates one of my favorite symbols of fall—pumpkins in all their bright, bold orange glory. The layered collage background adds warmth and texture, echoing the richness of the season. It’s featured in my 2026 Calendar with Recipes, paired with a cozy Pumpkin Chili—a perfect dish for chilly autumn evenings and gatherings around the table.
Link for calendar in bio!

Pumpkin
18” x 18” x 1.5”
Mixed media on cradled panel, $475
This painting celebrates one of my favorite symbols of fall—pumpkins in all their bright, bold orange glory. The layered collage background adds warmth and texture, echoing the richness of the season. It’s featured in my 2026 Calendar with Recipes, paired with a cozy Pumpkin Chili—a perfect dish for chilly autumn evenings and gatherings around the table.
Link for calendar in bio!

I’m excited to share that a selection of my artwork will be on display for the entire month of November at Insomnia Coffee Co. at Murrayhill!
If you’re in the neighborhood, I’d love for you to stop by—grab a cozy drink, enjoy the inviting atmosphere, and take in a few of my newest pieces.
Let me know if you stop by—I’d love to hear what you think!
(Last photo taken by @jaredwebb20)
anniesalness.com

I’m excited to share that a selection of my artwork will be on display for the entire month of November at Insomnia Coffee Co. at Murrayhill!
If you’re in the neighborhood, I’d love for you to stop by—grab a cozy drink, enjoy the inviting atmosphere, and take in a few of my newest pieces.
Let me know if you stop by—I’d love to hear what you think!
(Last photo taken by @jaredwebb20)
anniesalness.com

Join me for Collage Building Blocks: Papers for Collage & Mixed Media — a relaxed, hands-on day in the studio where you can explore freely and create without pressure: bubble wrap, cardboard, gelli plates, stencils, and more! You’ll leave with a colorful collection of papers and fresh inspiration for your next project.”
Nov 8th or 12th, or 19th from 10-1. Info in my bio!
anniesalness.com/learn

Join me for Collage Building Blocks: Papers for Collage & Mixed Media — a relaxed, hands-on day in the studio where you can explore freely and create without pressure: bubble wrap, cardboard, gelli plates, stencils, and more! You’ll leave with a colorful collection of papers and fresh inspiration for your next project.”
Nov 8th or 12th, or 19th from 10-1. Info in my bio!
anniesalness.com/learn

My friend and I are cleaning, arranging artwork, and packaging calendars, all in preparation to welcome you to Washington County Open Studios on October 18–19 from 10–5.
I can’t wait to open the doors and share what I’ve been working on!

My friend and I are cleaning, arranging artwork, and packaging calendars, all in preparation to welcome you to Washington County Open Studios on October 18–19 from 10–5.
I can’t wait to open the doors and share what I’ve been working on!

Art + Recipes All Year Long!

I’m just putting on the final varnish to my paintings!
Every year I paint twelve new pieces for my annual calendar—something I started for the Washington County Open Studios. Each painting is paired with a recipe, and it’s become a tradition people look forward to!

My 2026 Calendars are now available for pre-sale:

Wall Calendar – Large format with plenty of writing space – $18
Mini Calendar – Perfect next to the computer, desk, or shelf. CD case) – $15

Both make thoughtful gifts for teachers, friends, hosts, or a treat for yourself!

PRE - SALE ends Oct. 17th. Link in my bio!

Art + Recipes All Year Long!

I’m just putting on the final varnish to my paintings!
Every year I paint twelve new pieces for my annual calendar—something I started for the Washington County Open Studios. Each painting is paired with a recipe, and it’s become a tradition people look forward to!

My 2026 Calendars are now available for pre-sale:

Wall Calendar – Large format with plenty of writing space – $18
Mini Calendar – Perfect next to the computer, desk, or shelf. CD case) – $15

Both make thoughtful gifts for teachers, friends, hosts, or a treat for yourself!

PRE - SALE ends Oct. 17th. Link in my bio!

I’m opening my studio as part of the Washington County Open Studios Tour—
a free, self-guided weekend where you can visit over 60 local artists in their creative spaces.
October 18 & 19
10 AM – 5 PM
Come see where (and how!) my paintings are created, browse available work, my 2026 calendars, and say hello. (I’ll have my pumpkin painting on display!)
Hope to see you!
—Annie

I’m opening my studio as part of the Washington County Open Studios Tour—
a free, self-guided weekend where you can visit over 60 local artists in their creative spaces.
October 18 & 19
10 AM – 5 PM
Come see where (and how!) my paintings are created, browse available work, my 2026 calendars, and say hello. (I’ll have my pumpkin painting on display!)
Hope to see you!
—Annie

The Boutique is open!
I’m thrilled to share this Boutique collection with the talented @rebeccabermanart inside @artburst.studios.

I’d love for you to stop by and take a look!
(Link in bio.)

#anniesalnessart #artburststudios #theboutique #onlineartshow #originalart #stilllifepainting #mixedmedia #rebeccabermanart

The Boutique is open!
I’m thrilled to share this Boutique collection with the talented @rebeccabermanart inside @artburst.studios.

I’d love for you to stop by and take a look!
(Link in bio.)

#anniesalnessart #artburststudios #theboutique #onlineartshow #originalart #stilllifepainting #mixedmedia #rebeccabermanart

This green house has been sitting in my reference file for a while now. I kept coming back to it—The painting is still in progress, but I wanted to share where it’s at today.

This green house has been sitting in my reference file for a while now. I kept coming back to it—The painting is still in progress, but I wanted to share where it’s at today.

Back-to-School Throwback!
It’s that time of year—so I’m sharing my Lunch Bag paintings.

Does anyone still use paper lunch bags?

There’s just something about them - the warm khaki brown color, the crinkled texture, folded, smoothed, or crumpled shut.
It’s funny how something so simple can bring back such clear memories of school lunches, notes from home, or a peanut butter sandwich. 😁

You can view them online during the Artburst Boutique: Sept 17-Oct 7 or come by in person during Washington Open Studios: Oct 18 & 19

If you’d like reminders for events, what I’m working on or early access to new work—join my email list or send me a DM. I’d love to stay in touch!

Back-to-School Throwback!
It’s that time of year—so I’m sharing my Lunch Bag paintings.

Does anyone still use paper lunch bags?

There’s just something about them - the warm khaki brown color, the crinkled texture, folded, smoothed, or crumpled shut.
It’s funny how something so simple can bring back such clear memories of school lunches, notes from home, or a peanut butter sandwich. 😁

You can view them online during the Artburst Boutique: Sept 17-Oct 7 or come by in person during Washington Open Studios: Oct 18 & 19

If you’d like reminders for events, what I’m working on or early access to new work—join my email list or send me a DM. I’d love to stay in touch!

“Happy Hour”, 12” x 16”, framed (14” x 18”), acrylic, ©Annie Salness, $425

“Happy Hour,” is July’s feature in my 2025 calendar. It was inspired by a snapshot I took at our go-to spot, @oswegogrillrestaurant. I love how they set out all the fresh fruit they use in their drinks. It was too beautiful not to paint! I’ve even got a few behind-the-scenes process photos to share with you!
A huge thank you to my friend, @jennifercvigil—a fellow artist, business strategist, and founder of the Art Teacher Community —for inspiring this post. She bought a calendar from me and reminded me how art and recipe together can create a whole experience!

The recipe I paired it with? A classic Mojito—cool, citrusy, and full of summer energy.

Mojito
3 mint leaves
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz white rum
¾ oz fresh lime juice
Club soda
Garnish: mint sprig & lime wedge
Lightly muddle mint + syrup. Add rum, lime juice & ice. Shake, strain into ice-filled glass. Top with club soda and garnish.

* The Art + Recipe 2026 Calendar is in the works and pre-oders are available soon!

“Happy Hour”, 12” x 16”, framed (14” x 18”), acrylic, ©Annie Salness, $425

“Happy Hour,” is July’s feature in my 2025 calendar. It was inspired by a snapshot I took at our go-to spot, @oswegogrillrestaurant. I love how they set out all the fresh fruit they use in their drinks. It was too beautiful not to paint! I’ve even got a few behind-the-scenes process photos to share with you!
A huge thank you to my friend, @jennifercvigil—a fellow artist, business strategist, and founder of the Art Teacher Community —for inspiring this post. She bought a calendar from me and reminded me how art and recipe together can create a whole experience!

The recipe I paired it with? A classic Mojito—cool, citrusy, and full of summer energy.

Mojito
3 mint leaves
½ oz simple syrup
2 oz white rum
¾ oz fresh lime juice
Club soda
Garnish: mint sprig & lime wedge
Lightly muddle mint + syrup. Add rum, lime juice & ice. Shake, strain into ice-filled glass. Top with club soda and garnish.

* The Art + Recipe 2026 Calendar is in the works and pre-oders are available soon!

Painting in Progress!

I’m working on a new piece for my 2026 Calendar—it’s a painting of my favorite painting coat! This one’s on a cradled panel, and I’ve started with a Stabilo water-soluble pencil to sketch the outlines. Then, I add water to begin building the values, which is one of my favorite parts of the process.
What is one of your favorite parts of the painting process?

Painting in Progress!

I’m working on a new piece for my 2026 Calendar—it’s a painting of my favorite painting coat! This one’s on a cradled panel, and I’ve started with a Stabilo water-soluble pencil to sketch the outlines. Then, I add water to begin building the values, which is one of my favorite parts of the process.
What is one of your favorite parts of the painting process?

Final touch before this one heads to its new home!
There’s something so satisfying about varnishing — it pushes the color forward, seals in the story, and I’m done!!! 😁

Final touch before this one heads to its new home!
There’s something so satisfying about varnishing — it pushes the color forward, seals in the story, and I’m done!!! 😁

Limes sneak into almost anything vaguely Mexican-adjacent I make—fresh salsa, carnitas, guacamole, tacos, Corona, etc. So naturally, they found their way into my art, too.
This 16x16 acrylic piece celebrates that bright summertime zest I can’t live without! Lots of lime green, turquoise, cool blues, and just a dash of pink to keep things interesting!

What do you use limes for? Cooking? Cocktails? Something totally unexpected?

Limes sneak into almost anything vaguely Mexican-adjacent I make—fresh salsa, carnitas, guacamole, tacos, Corona, etc. So naturally, they found their way into my art, too.
This 16x16 acrylic piece celebrates that bright summertime zest I can’t live without! Lots of lime green, turquoise, cool blues, and just a dash of pink to keep things interesting!

What do you use limes for? Cooking? Cocktails? Something totally unexpected?

I recently had the pleasure of painting a commission for a family of their two loveable lab dogs. The family was thrilled with the final piece, and capturing the personality and spirit of their cherished companions was such a joy. If you’re looking for a personalized piece of art, please visit the link in my bio or contact me at annie@anniesalness.com for more information—I’d love to bring your vision to life!

#anniesalnessart #commissionpainting #labrador #pdxartist #nwartist #acrylicpaintings

I recently had the pleasure of painting a commission for a family of their two loveable lab dogs. The family was thrilled with the final piece, and capturing the personality and spirit of their cherished companions was such a joy. If you�’re looking for a personalized piece of art, please visit the link in my bio or contact me at annie@anniesalness.com for more information—I’d love to bring your vision to life!

#anniesalnessart #commissionpainting #labrador #pdxartist #nwartist #acrylicpaintings

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