I'm Anna Johansson (Annapurna). I begun working seriously with drawing and painting about twenty years ago. I don't do art for a living, it is what I have a passion for and it is what I love to do.I love to explore new challenges that always comes along when I try to make illustrations for a book.I always strive for excellence in both composition and execution and I feel immense satisfaction when new pieces of art comes out of my studio.
I always had an art talent from childhood, and I managed to take a one year art foundation program during my troubled teenage years. It was not until later in my life, however, that I decided to pursue my lifelong interest in the field of visual art. In my early forties, I graduated from an art college in the U.S with highest honor.
My art and illustrations have been published in several books and magazines. I have also worked with a local art association and participated in juried art exhibitions where I have been awarded for my drawings and paintings.
My primary subject is devotional art, creating paintings and illustrations inspired by the mystical yoga traditions of ancient India. My attraction to this unusual choice stems perhaps from my lifelong search for truth, happiness and beauty.
Another of my main interest is in the field of illustration, specifically illustrations for books. I love the illustrations of some amazing artist that emerged during the 'Golden Era of Illustration', generally considered to be the period between the 1880s and 1920s. During this time period there was a rage for colorfully illustrated books - especially fairy tales and fantasy adventures.
Some of my favorite artists of this time were Arthur Rackham, Warwick Goble and Edmund Dulac. They worked with line and watercolor, the same media I am trying to master. Arthur Rackham had few equals, during his time, when it came to the use of muted color, ambience and expressive lines. Warwick Goble was also among the era's premier illustrator presenting both brilliant and memorable images in many book publications.
I am also inspired by many contemporary artist both in the filed of illustration and fantasy painting.
Me and my daughter Vrinda are presently working on a three volume Indian classic "A Prince In Exile.
I always had an art talent from childhood, and I managed to take a one year art foundation program during my troubled teenage years. It was not until later in my life, however, that I decided to pursue my lifelong interest in the field of visual art. In my early forties, I graduated from an art college in the U.S with highest honor.
My art and illustrations have been published in several books and magazines. I have also worked with a local art association and participated in juried art exhibitions where I have been awarded for my drawings and paintings.
My primary subject is devotional art, creating paintings and illustrations inspired by the mystical yoga traditions of ancient India. My attraction to this unusual choice stems perhaps from my lifelong search for truth, happiness and beauty.
Another of my main interest is in the field of illustration, specifically illustrations for books. I love the illustrations of some amazing artist that emerged during the 'Golden Era of Illustration', generally considered to be the period between the 1880s and 1920s. During this time period there was a rage for colorfully illustrated books - especially fairy tales and fantasy adventures.
Some of my favorite artists of this time were Arthur Rackham, Warwick Goble and Edmund Dulac. They worked with line and watercolor, the same media I am trying to master. Arthur Rackham had few equals, during his time, when it came to the use of muted color, ambience and expressive lines. Warwick Goble was also among the era's premier illustrator presenting both brilliant and memorable images in many book publications.
I am also inspired by many contemporary artist both in the filed of illustration and fantasy painting.
Me and my daughter Vrinda are presently working on a three volume Indian classic "A Prince In Exile.