welcome to the Monadnock region

"monadnock autumn"

oil on canvas ~ 8 x 10 inches

available

Well, we've made it to Keene. And this is our mountain, standing watch over this beautiful little city. I was commissioned to paint Mt Monadnock last December before we knew we were moving here. (my husband's career brought us to Keene) I enjoyed the subject so much that I painted two and now I expect, many more!

I've always loved this mountain and climbed it as a child growing up in Milford, NH. I'm looking forward to taking my own 2 little charges for many hikes in this beautiful region.

fellow artists ~ Terri Wentzell

As I mentioned before, I am going to post about a few artists that inspire me during my move to NH. And did I mention I come from a talented family? Well, I do. It probably goes back to my grandmother who while not an artist, was a very creative person. I was blessed to have her live in our home my entire childhood. She was always making and doing, cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, nature watching, crafting, you name it...it was going on at our house.

But I digress...today I am featuring my mum, Terri Wentzell. An accomplished watercolorist, she is inspired by the lovely landscapes and seascapes of her native state of Maine. Our family hosts an annual art show in August, set in her beautiful gardens at her home in Rangeley, Maine. Check out Terri's website to see more of her work.

Terri Wentzell

"birches at sunset"

watercolor on paper
limited edition giclee prints available

fellow artists ~ Cindy Wentzell

I will be away from my easel for a couple weeks while the family makes the big move east to NH. In the meantime, I thought I would feature a few other artists whose work I admire. And where else to start other than my talented family?

Cindy Wentzell is my dear friend and sister-in-law. We met as fellow students at Mass Art many moons ago. Over the years, we've shared many laughs, bottles of wine, and creative ventures. We still get together for our "artist weekends" with a few other Mass Art girls, our husbands take the kiddos and we have a grand time painting together.

Cindy is a talented artist with a keen eye for capturing lovely little glimpses of nature. Her pastel paintings are just gorgeous, with vivid colors and texture. Check out more of Cindy's work at her website.

Cindy Wentzell
"Emerald Shade"
pastel

home stretch

I can't put it off any longer...time to pack up the studio! I am sad to leave East Aurora. This is a great town and my little family has been really happy here. At left is a painting I did at Knox Farm State Park, one of our favorite places in town and is just down the road from our house. A magical place where we've spent many hours walking through field and wood, bluebird spotting, kite-flying and just soaking up the beauty.

That said, I am looking forward to returning to New Hampshire. I am a New England girl at heart so it feels like going home. I will be much closer to family which my 2 little charges are especially excited about. It's all good...if only I could twitch my nose and get all these boxes packed. More soon and an update about an upcoming show.

sunflowers take 2

I decided to have another go at some sunflowers. I'm pleased with how this one turned out, I like how the purple tones in the pitcher complement the brilliant yellows of the flowers.

"sunflowers II"

oil on canvas ~ 12 x 12 inches

click here to purchase

peonies on the porch

It's that fleeting time of year again...peony season. I set this still life up on my porch, it will probably be one of my last days to paint before I leave. Packing can wait, peony season is short.

"peonies on the porch"

oil on canvas ~ 12 x 12 inches

click here to purchase

vidlers

Vidlers is a fantastic, genuine old fashioned five and dime store. Complete with creaky wooden floors, a 10 cent popcorn machine, toys, candy, crafts, housewares, you name it, they've got it. If you're ever out in western NY, don't miss a trip to Vidlers in East Aurora. Shopping there is one of the things I will miss most about NY.

"vidlers"

oil on canvas ~ 12 x 12 inches

available

poppy field III

"poppy field III"
oil on canvas ~ 9 x 12 inches

sold

poppy field II

"poppy field II"

oil on canvas ~ 9 x 12 inches

sold

au revoir

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my Art show in the Garden this past weekend. It was a wonderful show and a great send-off. I will miss western New York!

Art in the Garden show

I'm back!

This has been a crazy, busy year so far (hence my temporary disappearance from bloggerdom). My apologies.

We are in the process of moving to New Hampshire this summer. It is my home state and I am very much looking forward to capturing some New England loveliness on canvas very soon. Before we leave, I am having one last show at my home in East Aurora. If you are in the area, please stop by! I'm having an Art in the Garden show, there will be refreshments, door prizes and the gardens will be in full bloom. Hope to see you there.




"Au Revoir" a send off Art in the Garden show
paintings in oil, gouache & watercolor

June 6th & 7th, 2009
Saturday: 10am -3pm
Sunday: Noon - 3pm

163 Hamlin Avenue
East Aurora, NY


for more info, please email

cooper island dreamin'

Here's a recent painting...I did manage a bit of studio time this hectic season. This was a gift for my hubby. The painting is a scene from Cooper Island Beach Club in the British Virgin Islands. As lovely and unspoiled a place as can be. We were married there ten years ago, right down on the beach in this scene.

"cooper island"

oil on canvas ~ 18 x 24 inches

'tis the season

I've taken a small break from studio work this holiday season but I've still been very busy creating. I just thought I'd share a few photos from the holiday season. I'm off this week with my two little charges, we'll be busy crafting, baking and playing. I'll be back at work in January. Best wishes to you and yours for a very happy new year!

cheers,
Kristina

my daughter's creation, a collage incorporating a poem she wrote

poppy flower on knitted hat

splendid fairy wren created by my brother Paul

handmade ornament treasures

a wee snowy village

violets for my girl

memories from Christmases past

Minna

a painted desk for my budding young writer

bedecked with assorted warblers (the writer is also a bird lover)


more birds, glittery for the season

plein air France ~ Tour Eiffel 2

"la Tour Eiffel II"
gouache on paper ~ 9x12 inches

plein air France ~ Paris scene 2

"Paris scene II"
gouache on paper ~ 9x12 inches