We want to thank everyone who came visiting our studios this past weekend. We all were excited to see so many people out and about. It is always a pleasure for us to share our studios, our work and share our stories with you.
Who are you and what do you do?
Hi I am Krista Hasson and I am an artist but I am also a:
I am also the Atlantic Canadian Regional Representative for the Society of Canadian Artists as well as their Treasurer.
I am a painter inspired by nature. The vast array of colourful flowers, beautiful landscapes and peaceful trails through the woods keep me captivated and fuel my creative spirit.
I am represented by:
Handworks Gallery – Saint John, NB
Fog Forest Gallery – Sackville, NB
What is the best and worst thing about your profession?
The best part of being an artist is actually getting to create art for a living! The worst part about being an artist is that it can be lonely especially when your studio is in your home. I actually work one night a week outside the studio just to be able to interact with other humans. (the cats don’t say much)
How has your practice changed over time?
I started with watercolor and realism and I have since used just about every medium out there. I specialize in watercolor on rice paper employing a technique similar to batik. As time has passed my goal is no longer to paint an exact copy but to paint the feeling or impression of the subject that I am painting. I try not to fuss with the details. I have always painted nature and I can’t imagine not doing so, though lately I have been feeling pulled toward more figurative subjects. I am constantly experimenting and trying new mediums and techniques; as an artist I believe you never stop learning.
What is your favourite or most inspirational place?
Being out in nature is my favourite and most inspirational place. I would much rather be out in the woods over a shopping mall any day.
What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
My strongest memories from childhood are the hours I spent playing in the woods. Creating art is a close runner up.
Krista is Stop # 4 on the tour
To learn more about Krista click here
How did you first get into painting?
I have been making art ever since I can remember. My mother always encouraged me to draw and paint. It has always been a part of who I am.
Describe your creative process. Does experimentation come into play?
This method is a very non-traditional method of painting, it uses wax in a similar fashion to batik but I use rice paper and watercolour instead of fabric and dye. This process is very exciting to me with the many alternating layers of colour and wax. Normally you would watch your painting come to life as you paint it, but with this method of painting I have to trust my creative instincts until the end when I remove all of the wax and see the final result. I am constantly experimenting and trying new mediums and techniques; as an artist I believe you never stop learning.
What draws you to paint natural forms and landscapes?
Growing up in the country gave me a lasting connection with nature. The vast array of colourful flowers, beautiful landscapes and peaceful trails through the woods kept me captivated. These qualities of nature are what fuel my creative spirit and are reflected in my art.
Colour seems to play an integral role in your pieces. Can you talk about your approach to colour?
I have always been drawn to bold rich colours. With the watercolour batik I do not mix colours. I layer one colour and after it is dry, I layer another one on top of it to make the next colour I need. This gives the colours a variegation and glow that is not possible when you use a mixed colour.
What current projects are you working on?
I have recently started painting flowers in oil; I love the vibrant colours and texture that can be achieved with this medium.
Krista is location #4 on the Tour
Kings County Studio Tour 