The Byrne Gallery is proud to announce “River’s Journey,” its new exhibition for the month of April 2025. This exhibit showcases Anne Stine’s exquisite encaustic wood panel paintings and celebrates her deep love for the rivers of Virginia. The exhibit will be on display from April 2nd – April 27th and is open to the public. Everyone is cordially invited to attend. A reception for the artist will be held on Saturday, April 12th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and, there will be an artist’s talk on Saturday, April 26th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A river’s journey begins at its source as a small stream, winding through landscapes, gathering strength, and eventually flowing into the sea. This collection captures the essence of that journey, documenting the river’s path from source to sea. The paintings are rich in movement, texture, and color, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the river.

Stine is known for her mixed media nature-themed paintings. Her chosen medium is encaustic, a technique as dynamic as the rivers themselves. By layering pigmented wax and mixed media, then fusing it all with the intense heat of a blowtorch onto wooden panels, she creates surfaces rich in complexity, color, and texture. She feels encaustic, made from a mixture of beeswax, natural resin, and pigment, most accurately captures the dynamic ebb and flow of water due to its unique molten qualities.

The artist mentions, “The rivers near my home have been a constant source of inspiration and comfort throughout my life. Each visit brings a sense of rejuvenation and sparks my creativity. They offer a profound sense of peace, a quiet sanctuary in the rush of everyday life. Through my art, I aim to share this deep connection and tranquil journey with others to find their own solace in nature.”

Anne Stine lives in Purcellville, Virginia, where she creates and teaches encaustic art. Her work resides in public and private collections around the world, including the permanent collection of the Encaustic Museum of Art in New Mexico.