Paint by the Ocean

Pastel and Oil Paintings
Annette Sykes, Room 403 AB
@PaintbytheOcean
http://www.paintbytheocean.com

Annette Sykes is an observational artist who captures the people, places, and things of Boston's North Shore. Working primarily in pastel and oil, her paintings reflect a deep connection to the local community. Her work is regularly exhibited at GAL in Lynn, as well as in galleries throughout the North Shore. She has recently moved into a studio at the Lydia Pinkham Building.

In 2024, Annette was named a CCI Changemaker, a recognition that has expanded her practice and deepened her involvement in the arts. As Founder of GALA, she not only pursues her own creative work but fosters collaboration within the local arts community. She leads a weekly Figure Drawing Group at the Gallery, bringing together artists to draw & paint from a model. This group has become a vital hub of artistic connection on the North Shore.

Annette's journey began in the Midwest, where she grew up in Wisconsin and Missouri. She studied fashion design in New York in the mid-1990's before transitioning to fine arts in Boston. While working at a gallery near Newbury Street, she pursued post-baccalaureate studies at MassArt. In 2001, she earned an MFA from the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Soon after, she returned to the East Coast, settling on the North Shore, where she has lived and worked for over two decades.

The coastal landscape is a central theme in Annette's work. Living near Kings Beach and Red Rock Park, she paints en plein air, capturing the beauty of the shoreline and its changing light. Her connection to this landscape and the New England community are evident in her paintings, which convey a deep appreciation for the natural world.

In addition to her figurative and landscape work, Annette is passionate about antique hunting. She travels around New England, photographing the curated arrangements of antique dealers, which serve as inspiration for her paintings. This exploration of antiques adds a layer of history and nostalgia to her work, as she delves into themes of memory and preservation.

Annette's art reflects both her surroundings and her personal journey. Through her paintings, she seeks to capture not only what she observes but also the strong sense of belonging she feels within her community. Her work embodies the creativity, connection and inspiration that define her life as an artist on Boston's North Shore.