Anne Packard's newly published retrospective book features a preface by Galerie Sono owner Claude Villani in which Mr. Villani states "What separates Anne Packard from other artists of her time is her ability to eliminate all the chaos and clutter that exists in our daily lives and distill the beauty that remains in our surroundings. Her work walks a beautiful tightrope of minimalism -- a lone boat on a virgin beach, an endless sea and changeable skies."

Anne has brought to her work an instinct and skill drawn from a deep family well of American and European painters. Her grandfather, Max Bohm, was a leading turn-of-the-century impressionist painter who in 1916 came to Provincetown, MA with many European and American artists. Her grandmother, great-aunt, uncle and mother were also respected painters. The painting tradition runs strong in her family and continues with her children.

Born and raised in Hyde Park, NY, Anne spent her summers as a child in Provincetown. She moved there year-round in 1977 after raising her 5 children. A self-taught artist, initially her art was worked on wood panels and weathered shingles. Later in life, she studied at Bard College and with the late Philip Malicoat of Provincetown. Anne has painted the Outer Cape, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Mexico for the last 35 years.

Anne Packard's paintings are like pieces of driftwood washed up on shore - each seems to bear a history of its own and will tell you about itself if you're willing to spend the time (her) paintings reward with an abundance of surprises and rich, imaginative color. They aren't your average day at the beach.

Paul Parcellin, Art New England