When You Least Expect It Painting

THE ARTIST Hello! My name is Kristina Joy. I am a contemporary impressionistic painter, digital artist and crayon artist from Minnesota. Thanks for taking the time to view my artwork. HOW I GOT STARTED IN ART I began my formal training in Minnesota. After graduating from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design, I taught art and English in Guadalajara, Mexico. I had brought crayons for the students. But upon discovering they provided their own art supplies, I decided to use them myself. I returned to the United States with a new interest in creating serious drawings with the simple medium of color crayons - inspired by teaching elementary students. For about one year I studied under master crayon artist Don Marco in Duluth, MN to learn drawings techniques and color theory. I then opened my own studio and gallery space in Superior, Wisconsin. And another year later I moved the studio to Duluth, Minnesota. From there, I opened a gallery space for the many tourists visiting the city, selling originals, prints, and commissions in Canal Park. All the artwork was strictly my own.  The cold winters of Duluth, MN eventually turned my gaze to Arizona. And in 2014 I moved to Phoenix, AZ, and taught art at a private high school. In 2018 I moved back to Minnesota and began to seriously dive into oil painting. I focused on creating contemporary impressionistic and expressionistic work inspired by nature.MY FAVORITE ART MEDIUMS Oil painting, digital art and crayons are my favorite mediums of choice; most of my artwork is primarily done in oil paint. I LOVE to paint big. Creating commission artwork for clients’ homes and offices is my main line of artwork now. My drawing background provided a strong foundation for my current artwork to emerge from. I enjoy the wonderful richness and nuances of color that each stroke creates. I’ve greatly appreciated the switch because these mediums have allowed me to really dig deep and mature in my growth as an artist.OUTSIDE THE STUDIO When I’m not in my studio, you can find me editing photos, designing websites, playing the piano and spending time with my little 5lb dog Rosie.