
Ann's floral still-life paintings are truly beautiful. To me, they feel like they breathe.
Raj Chaudhuri
About Ann Gargotto
Ann Gargotto grew up painting. At a very early age she started studying art with her godmother, a very successful Chicago artist. Together they spent countless hours painting and studying art at the Art Institute of Chicago. Ann remembers being heavily influenced by such masters as Andrew Wyeth, Degas and Rembrandt. Moving to San Francisco in her teens afforded her the opportunity to continue her studies at the Sausalito Arts Center with California artist Edie Davis.
After receiving her college degree, Ann settled in Denver where she had the good fortune to mentor and study with a very prestigious group of Colorado artists through the Art Students League of Denver, including Quang Ho, Ron Hicks, Andrea Kemp, Kevin Weckbach and Kim English. Ann’s primary focus is representational oil painting, and her subject matter ranges from figures and portraits to still life and nature. Named a “2011 Artist to Watch” by Southwest Art Magazine, her work has been featured in prestigious juried exhibitions, winning numerous awards, and is in private collections throughout the country. Most recently, Ann’s floral work is featured in the 2025 May/June issue of “Artist’s Magazine.”
“I find myself attracted to strong compositions and inspired by beautiful subject matter, whether that be a flower arrangement, still life, the figure or compelling street scene. I see art as a commitment to mastering the fundamentals but interpreting a subject with passion and originality. I find endless joy in the artistic journey of self-expression, and very much feel that which Robert Henri so beautifully stated, “The object isn’t to make art, but to be in that wonderful state that makes art inevitable.””
Ann currently resides in Denver, Colorado.
I remember seeing the first painting that broke through for her. It was a floral arrangement, and I recognized that she was able to see the proper relationship all the details had with one another. The parts had a purpose to the whole. She was immediately a better painter overnight after that realization. It takes a lifetime to see that, if you're lucky.
Quang Ho

Recent Exhibitions/Awards
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“Feature Article in 2025 May/June issue of “Artist’s Magazine”
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Governor’s Show Juried Exhibition Artist 2022, 2023, 2025
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Named “Artist To Watch” by Southwest Art Magazine, February 2011
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Oil Painters of America Annual National Juried Exhibition, 2014
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Oil Painters of American Annual Western Juried Exhibition, 2012 & 2015
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Oil Painters of America Juried Salon Show, 2013
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Denver Plein Air Arts Festival 2010 – Honorable Mention
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Denver Plein Air Arts Festival 2011 – Southwest Art Magazine Award, Meininger Award and Honorable Mention
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Selected by Denver Art Museum’s Friends of Painting and Sculpture for Annual Benefit Auction 2016
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Invited and donated to many local fund-raising activities over the years, including Children’s Hospital, Cancer League of Denver and Art For Life
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“Windows To The Divine” Artist 2016
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“Windows To The Divine” Artist 2018
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Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition 2022
Empower
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