Kristen Guest

Rooted in Southern California and inspired by travel, my paintings reflect the warmth and ease of coastal living. Influenced by my home in California and time spent in Hawaii, I create contemporary artwork inspired by the way light and atmosphere shape our experience of a place and the memories we carry from it.

Working between abstraction and representation, I simplify forms and soften details to create a mood versus a specific place. The result is artwork that feels elevated yet relaxed, offering a more modern interpretation of life by the water.

Artist Bio

Kristen Guest is an award-winning and published full-time artist based in Southern California. She studied painting, printmaking, and book arts at Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned a degree in Art. Today, she works from her home studio in Poway, California, creating modern coastal artwork inspired by the light, atmosphere, and lifestyle of the California coast.

Her work is currently represented through Janssen Artspace in Palm Springs, California; Libby Silvia Artstyle in Boston, Massachusetts; Liza Pruitt in Richmond, Virginia; Sandstone Gallery in Laguna Beach, California; and Sorelle Gallery in Westport, Connecticut, where select works are offered thro...

M.F.A. in Media Design (coursework)
Full Sail University
Aug 2016 - Jan 2017

B.S. in Art Education
Middle Tennessee State University
Aug 2000 - May 2007

Solo Exhibitions

2026

"Local Summer"
Sandstone Gallery
Laguna Beach, CA

"Poolside"
Liza Pruitt
Online

"Cocktails + Cabanas: California Edition"
Janssen Artspace
Palm Springs, CA

2025

"Making an Entrance: The Iconic Doors of Palm Springs"
Ashton Gallery
San Diego, CA


2024

"Cocktails & Cabanas"
Sandstone Contemporary Gallery
Laguna Beach, CA

"Palm Trees"
Ashton Gallery
San Diego, CA


2023

"The Golden Land"
Borrego Art Institute
Borrego Springs, CA


2021

Resident Artist Showcase
Bernardo Winery Tasting Room
San Diego, CA


2019

"Pedals for the People"
A Benefit for San Diego Bicycle Coalition
Ashton Gallery
San Diego, CA