Kristin Hartman

Since she was a young child, Kristin Hartman has been enthralled with drawing and painting. Born in Västerås, Sweden, her family found their way to California by way of North and South Carolina. Growing up, art was always her preferred activity, whether at home or at school. Her mom, Jeanette Carlstrom, who is also an artist, inspired Kristin at a young age, and her entire family supports her artistic pursuits.

Before attending college, Kristin was awarded the Duane Hagen Memorial Scholarship in recognition of excellence in visual arts from the California Art Education Association. Upon receiving her BA in Studio Art from Sacramento State, she was presented with the Dean’s Award in the College of Arts and Letters for academic achievement. Shortly after graduation, Kristin became a resident artist at the Old City Art Gallery in Sacramento, which was a gallery/studio space she rented with other Sac State students and graduates. She later became a member of the Folsom Arts Association and the Sutter Street Artists group, both of whom she still works with today.

PAINT & PROCESS
Kristin’s oil paintings continuously express her fascination with the unique and beautiful design of nature, encouraging the viewer to get lost in the mysterious and intriguing environments she creates. Kristin is most drawn to the way light interacts with form and how it can alter the space in which it falls. She says, “For me, light unravels the mysteries of the natural world.”

Whenever she finds beautiful, inspiring scenery, Kristin takes photographs so she can later reference them for her artwork. Observing the photographs, she notes where light and shadow fall, and then exaggerates the colors, contrast, and movement on the canvas. Each of Kristin’s paintings come about rapidly with an irregular application of paint, allowing unplanned images to emerge within the work. The continual movement and shifting of light that occurs in nature becomes part of Kristin’s own inner shifting, changing as she moves swiftly through the paintings. Through this process, she seeks to create a space of exploration for both herself and the viewer.

Constantly inspired by nature and her surroundings, Kristin says, “When I see beautiful scenery, I’m inspired to create a painting of my interpretation of that place.”

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Kristin is drawn to the Sacramento area because it has a very intimate art community. Through attending Sacramento State (and majoring in Art) and interning/volunteering at the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, Kristin seized the opportunity to become a part of the local art community. She says, "I also love the fact that Sacramento is known as "The City of Trees"…It’s a beautiful city, and I’ve been inspired by its trees. Many of my paintings are inspired by areas such as William Land Park and Alumni Grove near Sac State."

As a member of both the Folsom Arts Association and the Sutter Street Artists group, she is able to show work in the Petra Vineyard Art Gallery in Historic Old Folsom. Being a part of these groups means she spends time volunteering at the gallery, promoting local artists who are featured there, and assisting in selling their work.

During the spring and summer months you can often catch Kristin doing painting demonstrations outside on Sutter Street during 2nd Saturday. She sets out her easel and creates a painting or two from start to finish, demonstrating her painting process and answering questions along the way.

WHERE TO FIND HER WORK
Kristin shows her work frequently throughout the Sacramento Region. You can currently catch her work at Petra Vineyard’s Wine Gallery in Folsom. Stay tuned in June, when her work will be on display at the Artistic Edge Gallery.

You can also find her work in your own home or commerical space, as Kristin also works on commission. Learn more by visiting her commission website.

KEEP UP WITH KRISTIN
Fine Art Website
Mural/Commissions Website
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter
Sac365 Artist Profile