My real journey in art began when I starting taking art classes and attending workshops with working artists. I was a portrait photographer for almost 20 years where I operated my own business and photographed weddings, maternity, families etc. It was my creative outlet until I started painting. I was looking for beauty with a camera and now with a paint brush. I am always searching for the right expression. This expression or we could call it a mood can be found on the landscape too. I love being in nature and how it makes me feel. Hiking daily along the lake or on trails in the forest brings me pure joy, peace and wholeness. My goal as a creative person is to capture and interpret that feeling. To have my work reflect my connection with nature is important to me.
Artists first created works that emphasized the experienced mood and emotion in nature during the romanticism art period with paintings of nature’s power and unpredictability. I like to use light and clouds to depict the strength and gentleness in nature. During my art education I learned about different styles and learned that the world of art is infinite. I explored and played with different mediums and in the process I was finding my voice. My years as a photographer taught me the important role of light. How it creates a mood, affects how we see colour, the contrasts and shadows that all add to the narrative. It’s these qualities I want in my paintings. If I can convey the beauty, story and spirit of a moment, even in a small way, I feel I am on my way to painting with my voice.
I live on Kootenay Lake, BC, surrounded by mountains and forests. In full gratitude, I truly have found my happy place in this world, finding inspiration anywhere, anytime.
Kristine McGuinty CV (PDF)
