The Artist

About

Artist Statement

Artist Statement: My work begins with looking closely—at the way light falls, colors shift, and ordinary moments hold a quiet sense of beauty. Painting from life whenever possible, the intention is not to simply record what is seen, but to hold onto the feeling of being there: the warmth of afternoon light, the movement of water, the stillness of a room.

Through lively brushwork and color, I hope to share that feeling with the viewer—a small pause, a moment of connection, and perhaps a reminder to notice the beauty in the everyday. The materials are an important part of that experience. Oil paint’s slow, forgiving nature allows for subtle shifts in color and light, while wet-on-wet painting brings an immediacy to the process, especially when working plein air. Visible brushwork, passages of thick paint over thin, and unexpected notes of color are left as evidence of the making, because the process itself becomes part of the meaning. Acrylic offers a different kind of freedom. Its quick drying time encourages spontaneity, allowing for rapid changes, playful discoveries, and a willingness to respond in the moment. Both mediums leave room for exploration—and for the element of play that keeps painting fresh and alive.

About Kristin

I grew up near the water and have never enjoyed living far from it. The lake, the harbor, the changing light of the sunshine on the Michigan shores — these are my native landscapes, and they find their way into my work.Water has always been a part of home. Growing up near the lake, I have never been quite comfortable living far from it. The harbors, shoreline, and changing light across the Michigan water continue to feel familiar and deeply connected to place, finding their way naturally into the work.

Painting became a new chapter after a lifetime in creative marketing and design. Since 2009, it has offered a different way of seeing—slower, more intuitive, and rooted in the simple pleasure of observing and making.

My studio is in Southwestern Michigan at the Box Factory for the Arts.  Visitors are welcome by chance or appointment.

"I paint not only what the light reveals, but what the moment makes us feel."

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