Meet Anne Hempel
I explore the whimsical and resilient spirit of nature through acrylic paintings on wood. The wood surface provides the durability needed for my brushes and palette knives to create pieces inspired by the familiar sights of the Florida landscape—the ancient oaks, wildflowers, herons, and songbirds that surround me.
My work is deeply enriched by the wild beauty of the swampy forest, winding creek, and native flora surrounding my home and studio. Whether it’s the specific way light filters through the canopy, the brilliant shift of a sunset, or the gentle curve of a petal, these natural wonders fuel my creativity.
Every painting has a story. I enjoy sharing the inspiration behind each piece.
A defining element of my technique is the incorporation of found treasures from the outdoors. I encapsulate bark, lichen, moss, feathers, petals, etc. into my paintings to build physical texture and depth. By digging into layers of thickened paint and applying glazes between them, I create a sculptural quality that invites the viewer to experience the work tactically.
Color guides my compositions, while the music playing in my studio influences the energy of each piece. A soothing tune may draw my focus to the delicate details of a hummingbird’s wing, while an upbeat rhythm moves my brush with spontaneous, joyful energy.
Anne Hempel is a full-time, award-winning, fine artist based in Tallahassee, Florida. A graduate of Florida State University, she has spent the last two decades developing her signature impasto style. Her work is created on hand-crafted wood panels and is known for its texture and vibrant use of color and light. Anne is represented by Signature Art Gallery. She is the President of the Hickory Preserve, a non-profit, advocating for local land restoration and conservation.
Her husband, Todd, a biologist, crafts all her wood canvases. They enjoy raising their teenage daughter, Evelyn. Hempel is represented by Signature Art Gallery. Her work is celebrated throughout the region in exhibitions, juried shows, charitable events and as private commissions.
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Judges Choice Award, Chain of Parks Art Festival, 2026
Solo show, Petals and Wings, Jefferson Arts Gallery in Monticello, Florida 2024
Tallahassee Magazine’s Works on Wood cover article March April issue 2023
Chain of Parks Cover Artist 2023
Proof Brewery’s Life is Brewtiful can art label winner 2022
Featured artist in Nature’s Gems show at LeMoyne Art Gallery May 2022
Organizer for Miccosukee Land Co-op’s Holiday Art Affair annual art event 2016-2025
Curator for Sage Restaurant in Tallahassee 2018-2025
Native Wild solo show Jefferson Arts Gallery in Monticello, Florida 2021
Growing Wild solo show Jefferson Arts Gallery in Monticello, Florida 2018
Put a Bird on It three artists show COCA sponsored at Tallahassee Airport 2018
Exhibited in Gadsden Arts Center and Museum in Quincy, Florida 2017
Award in Merit in Oil/Acrylic category at Chain of Parks Art Festival in 2015
Accepted in COCA’s Tall Art in Tallahassee competition, exhibit from 2016-2020
Bowery Art Gallery’s Pop-up solo show in Apalachicola, Florida 2017
Chain of Parks Art Festival participant in Tallahassee, Florida
ArtsQuest Art Festival in participant San Destin, Florida
Mount Dora’s Arts Festival participant in Mount Dora, Florida
Images Art Festival participant in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival participant in Pensacola, Florida
Johns Creek Art Festival in Atlanta, Georgia
The Art of Organic solo show held at The Space in Tallahassee, Florida
Featured artist for Holy Comforter Episcopal School’s Gala in Tallahassee, Florida
Featured artist for Cypress Restaurant’s Artist Series in Tallahassee, Florida 2011, 2014, 2017
The Ronald McDonald house features a commissioned original piece in Tallahassee, Florida
Children’s mural commissioned at First Words Autism Institute in Tallahassee, Florida
Florida Audubon Society’s Birds, Brews and Bluegrass event featuring Anne’s bird collection series of original pieces 2014
Donated original pieces to Boys Town, Big Bend Hospice, Big Brother's Big Sisters Organization, United Way of the Big Bend, Legal Services of North Florida, Capitol Medical Society, among other local charities.