Artist Spotlight: Kristine Cooper

Kristine Cooper is an abstract artist based out of the Pacific Northwest. She has been creating art since she was a child, and has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. “As a kid I was found to be coloring every square inch of the driveways and sidewalks, and creating something daily. Later in life, I graduated with a degree in Fine Arts in 2016, and became a full-time artist in Fall 2020. I found myself drawn to abstract painting while in college and have stuck with that artistic style since.” She offers her artwork and more for sale on her website, www.cooperartandabode.com. 

Kristine’s inner yearning to create something inspired her to become an artist. “I felt deep inside me a need to create. Nothing particularly stirred the feeling other than I feel most like I am living into my true identity when I am painting. I worked in interior design, retail and a few other industries but the feeling to be creating something with my hands always spoke loudest.” As an artist, she enjoys creating and experimenting with new techniques and colors the most. “What I enjoy most about being an artist is having an "aha" moment in the art studio. It's when I find a new combination of colors or textures that I haven't thought of before. It is so exciting and what really makes the art worth pursuing for me.” 

"Golden Gardens" by Kristine Cooper pictured above.

Kristine finds that she does not have a particular favorite piece when it comes to art, but is motivated to discover beauty in new things. “As an artist you're always expanding and rediscovering what can be the new possibility. It's not that I am dissatisfied with my old work, but instead it's that I am driven to see what I will create next.” In her own work, she enjoys creating pure abstract art. “The fact that abstract does not inherently tell the viewer direct information yet can say something through color, lines and textures is beautiful. I enjoy creating something new, unplanned and seeing how it unfolds on the canvas.” 

"Roots" by Kristine Cooper pictured above.

Kristine is inspired by exploration and music when beginning a new project or piece. “I enjoy exploring the Pacific NW and hiking. While I am on a hike I am able to soak in the shapes and colors around me and paint them onto a canvas once I get home.” To aspiring artists, she encourages persistence in progressing every day. “The most solid advice is to make progress every single day. Every day that you work towards a goal even if it's small progress it adds up. I started my art career by only having a couple of hours to give per week to it, but it slowly built into a full-time career.” 

Kristine discovered Golden State Art when searching for frames for her artwork. “I discovered Golden State Art when I transitioned to being a full-time artist and was searching for frames that would fit my prints. The frames have ended up being a perfect fit for hanging my fine art prints in. The work looks professional and stands out when placed in the frames by Golden State Art. Offering framed prints at my art shows have become a favorite for my clients as it becomes an easy gift.” 

Visit the links below to view more of Kristine’s work and connect with her: 

Kristine’s Website: www.cooperartandabode.com

Kristine’s Instagram: @cooperartandabode