Annette Sykes: Paint By The Ocean

I am an observational artist who captures the people, places, and objects of Boston’s North Shore. Working in pastel, watercolor, and oil, my paintings reflect a deep connection to the local community and landscape. My work is regularly exhibited at the Galleries At LynnArts (GALA) in Lynn, MA, SalemArts, Marblehead Arts Association, and most recently Danvers Arts Association. I recently moved to a new studio at the Lydia Pinkham Labs in Lynn, MA, where I am working on an extensive body of new artwork and some exciting new projects to bring together artists in the community.

In 2024, I was named a CCI Changemaker, a recognition that expanded my practice and deepened my involvement in the arts. I lead a weekly Figurative Art Drawing Group at GALA, bringing together artists to draw and paint from life. This group has become a vital hub of artistic connection on the North Shore.

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

The coastal landscape is a central theme in my work. Living near Kings Beach and Red Rock Park, I often paint en plein air, capturing the beauty of the shoreline and its changing light. My connection to this landscape is evident in my paintings, which convey a deep appreciation for the natural world.

In addition to my figurative and landscape work, I am passionate about antique hunting. My husband, Bob, and I travel around New England, looking for oddities and strange things, and I’ve recently been photographing the curated arrangements of antique dealers, which serve as inspiration for my paintings. This exploration of antiques adds a layer of history and nostalgia to my work, as I delve into themes of memory and preservation.

My art reflects both my surroundings and my personal journey. Through my paintings, I seek to capture not only what I observe but also the strong sense of belonging I feel within my community. My work embodies the creativity, connection, and inspiration that define my life as an artist on Boston’s North Shore.