Meet Annie Rob – Painting In The Rude | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annie Rob – Painting In The Rude and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always been a firm believer that life without risks would be dreadfully mundane. Being naturally inclined towards embracing fresh challenges, I thrive on shaking things up. It’s the spice of life that fuels my curiosity and drives me to continually push boundaries to experience new adventures and produce my best work.

The decision to uproot our lives from London to Los Angeles in 2020 was a monumental risk that I wrestled with for quite some time. It felt like a wild leap to bid farewell to our cherished circle of friends and family and start afresh in a city where we knew very few.

Little did I know, it would turn out to be the most exhilarating decision we ever made.

Just six weeks after landing in LA, the world was thrust into the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the turbulent times, it afforded me the rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and really contemplate my aspirations for both my career and personal life.

After dedicating over 15 years to the advertising industry, I yearned for a new challenge. No longer content with simply following a brief, I felt a burning desire to explore my passion for painting and vintage ephemera. It was the perfect moment to take another leap of faith and launch ‘Painting In The Rude’.

My journey in the creative realm, post art college, began at the bottom rung of the advertising ladder, eventually culminating in co-founding and successfully selling my own agency in 2016. Despite the accolades and accomplishments, the allure of the corporate world began to wane. I craved the freedom to create without constraints, to follow my artistic instincts, and to produce work that resonated deeply within my soul.

My love affair with painting and scouring for hidden treasures in thrift stores dates back to my late teens. The allure of typography has always been a magnetic force in my life, igniting my passion for the creative industry. Yet, pursuing this passion was not without its risks.

Once again, taking the leap paid off in ways I never could have imagined.

Launching ‘Painting In The Rude’ has been a remarkable journey. As a creative soul, it can be daunting to expose your innermost ideas to the world and subject your creations to scrutiny. However, the overwhelming support and encouragement I’ve received on this journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

Through this venture, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with amazing individuals, received invaluable feedback, and experienced the thrill of achievement through risk taking. “Painting In The Rude” isn’t just a business; it’s a testament to the magic that unfolds when you dare to follow your heart and embrace the unknown.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
You could say, the clue’s in the name – working under the pseudonym ‘Painting in the Rude’ my work is known for its humour, a joyful celebration of re-invention, self-empowerment and an unabashed freedom of expression.

I rescue and enhance old paintings, photographs and lithographs from thrift stores and estate sales; giving them a new voice and in doing so a new lease of life by hand painting insightful often humorous pronouncements, in an array of large colourful typography.

The statements in the pieces are often reflections of being a woman in a male-led world. Although, thought provoking, they take a light-hearted, cheeky perspective. Humour, unpredictability and irreverence play a strong part in the work I create. My art seeks to bring a smile to the viewers lips.

Having always been an avid collector of vintage ephemera, my approach could be described as ‘beach-combing’, developing visual poetry from unexpected combinations and wordplay to create something completely new.

My work has featured in The Independent, Living Etc., Glamour UK, Stylist Magazine, The Evening Standard, Refinery 29, Tirade World and the Saatchi gallery ‘ones to watch’.

I’m currently prepping for the Other Art Fair LA happening 4-7th April at the Barker Hangar and am really excited to share my new body of work which has been months in the making.

I’m also really excited about some new concept pieces I’m developing which involve vintage fairground animals which I have adapted and repainted to give them a whole new purpose!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Gah! All the things – OK so in no particular order I’d for sure hike them up to the Hollywood sign. It’s a two hour round trip with stunning and rewarding views from the top. A must for any non-LA native to see! If walking is an issue the Griffith Observatory is a cute drive through the hills to a wonderful vista and there are some easy hikes in and around Griffith Park.

Food spots – post hike I might head to Los Feliz and grab some lunch/brunch at All Time on Hillhurst. The food is great, and you may get a celeb spotting in there, last time I sat next to John Hamm!

There’s also the Clark Street Diner on Franklin Ave which is great for breakfast or brunch. Its iconic interiors featured in the 1996 film Swingers so it’s a fun spot to take friends.

For a treat day I might purchase resort passes and spend a day at the iconic Roosevelt Hotel Pool. There you can lounge in style and enjoy all of the hotel amenities and the old Hollywood style that emulates from that place.

Another icon is the Beverly Hills Hotel – I love the Cabana Café – it’s the epitome of glamour and relaxation! Great poached eggs and Bellini’s!

For culture I’d definitely take them to The Broad. It’s a favourite; a contemporary art museum in Los Angeles offering free general admission and an active program of rotating exhibitions. Post that, a trip to Grand Central Market is always fun. Its 40+ stalls are home to an only-in-LA blend of vendors like China Café and Roast to Go.

A day spent in Venice is always on the itinerary – taking in the vast array of stores on Abbot Kinney, wandering the canals, eating at the Great White or the The Butcher’s Daughter and ending up strolling the beach promenade at sunset.

I also love Back on the Beach Café in the Palisades. Right on the beach and with a fab playground next door for kids it’s always a delicious place to stop for lunch!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, I’d like to shout out all my clients, the collectors and the people that support me on this journey. Even down to those that DM their appreciation and enjoyment of the work and like my posts. It all means so much to me.

A particularly great mentor is Maria Morrow who runs London art gallery ‘Air Contemporary’ and represents me in the UK. Maria has been a constant support from the very start.

I’d also like to mention The Other Art Fair LA and the team – Nicole Gorton and Brianna Salatino. The Other Art Fair is an opportunity for independent artist looking to showcase their own work to thousands of art lovers. These shows happen all over the world, and you don’t need gallery representation to take part. To all aspiring artists out there, if you have a body of work you’re happy with, The Other Art Fair is a great way to test the water and meet a wealth of art loving folk along the way!

Website: https://www.paintingintherude.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintingintherude/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintingintherude

Image Credits
Lindsey Childs