Anneli Haataja Waller

Biography

Painting and art came to me a few years ago, somewhat haphazardly and I fell into it head first and have never looked back. As a young girl, I drew horses but only because I loved them so much, not having any idea that I could pursue art in any manner. I just loved to draw whatever I loved. I didn't really start painting until a few years ago, and have attended workshops and clubs of famous Canadian artists; all of whom advise the best thing to do is "just to keep painting every day"... and I have done exactly that.

I love to paint portraits and figurative paintings, whether in oil, chalk pastel or oil pastels; and seem to attract a good pace of commissioned work. I am constantly learning, absorbing whether through painting or reading about artists; and keep evolving while finding my own niche in this ever deepening and intriguing world of art.

As outgoing as I am, it is interesting that I love solitude when painting. I have my own studio in my house where time ceases to exist; the only suggestion of time having passed being stiff limbs and either a "masterpiece" in the making, or a completed, near completed or a dramatically discarded drawing!

I paint what I love. Whatever takes my fancy, and whatever motivates me. Its simple really. I don't want to make art difficult, which I can do easily by starting to think too much. I just want it to flow freely from my soul, see what comes out, and always try to improve and learn from each painting.

Painting to me is a release of my spirit. Sometimes it comes out tentatively, unsure of where and what to do, and sometimes it is unleashed full force and I am amazed.