As a self-taught artist, Annabelle Papas was able to hone her craft by experimenting with several mediums and following her intuition until she found the perfect way to express herself. Without knowing, she found her style with Abstract Impressionism, much like the American Greats Bernard Cohen, Sam Francis, and Jackson Pollock did in the 1950s.
Born in the heart of Metro Manila and raised in Glendale, California. Her rise as an artist resulted from the love she fostered for the fine arts. As a child Annabelle’s childhood was diverse and liberal due to her family’s multicultural background.
When she was at the tender age of twelve years old, she started to paint. By mixing her palette, she was able to find wonder in the myriad of colours that she was able to see. From then, it became a life-long affinity that she treasures, and for the first time, she decided to share it with others.
By trade, Annabelle’s daily existence has always been streamlined as an entrepreneur in her own right; she is the Founder and CEO of AIRBELLE, a chartered company that offers private helicopter and jet flight services and operates a platform around the Philippines. Her firm provides gateway marketing services that aim to channel an intermediary bridge by connecting hosts to the clientele that serves to boost and bolster the country’s tourism. Yet, despite her heavy schedule, she finds the time to pursue art. What once was a hobby became a full-on passion that she decided to mould into an endeavour of self-love.
It all started again during the global pandemic of 2020. COVID-19 was a reality that nobody expected. It was during this time that Annabelle decided to pick up her brush, bring out the collection of acrylic paints and canvas that she had tucked away for some time, and while sitting out in the open, listening to either classical music or rock – she began to paint like there hadn’t been a day that went by. ” I would describe this as poetry in motion, primarily because I just go with my intuition and do not necessarily follow a rule book. ”
On the one hand, Annabelle’s form of Abstract Impressionism isn’t just a series of gestural brush strokes or mark-making and the impression of spontaneity. But as she mentioned, it comes from a streak of non-conformity to rules, and her inspired heroes were the illustrious bright minds of the art world – From decorated Filipino artists such as the complex Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo to the more well-known names of Piet Mondrian, Edouard Manet, Van Gogh, and Claude Monet.
As she further develops her role as an artist, Annabelle hopes to convey the message of power, strength, love and freedom in her growing portfolio, Her prowess as an artist can be seen as she gives life to a blank canvas with emotive strokes and combined textures that laid the foundation for another extension of her life –unfiltered, authentic, and striking.
Annabelle aims to grow continuously through participation in group and solo exhibits.
Annabelle’s paintings have been exhibited at the following:
September – October 2022: Passionately Pink Art Exhibit ( Raising Awareness For Breast Cancer Patients)
UPCOMING
April 14: South Arts Festival 2023: Crimson Hotel’s 10th Anniversary Art Exhibit World Art Day
