We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristy Partain. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristy below.

Kristy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I was introduced to oil painting my freshman year of high school. I took a variety of art and painting classes throughout high school and college. While I graduated college from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, I made sure to include fine art and design classes to each semester’s course load. In addition to taking courses, I instructed paint classes, worked for interior designers, and created custom oil paintings.

I could have sped up the learning process by attending an art school or majoring in Fine Art to focus my skills and immerse myself in the field; however, when deciding my major, I felt Business better aligned with my long-term goals.

The skills most essential to oil painting include color theory and color mixing, learning to control your paint through the use of painting medium, mastering brush orientation and brush work, and creating compositions.

The primary obstacle that stood in my way of learning more about oil painting and fine art was time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Kristy Partain. I am currently a stay-at-home mom and while my main focus in life right now is my family and caring for my 4 and 2 year old; oil painting and art is and always has been my creative outlet. I create custom paintings and artwork.

When my first child was born, oil painting served as the outlet and form of self-care I needed while navigating my new role as a mother. I painted during naptime and after my son went to bed and began sharing my artwork on Instagram (@kristypartainart).

I have been described as a precision painter. I use oil paints to create custom landscapes and seascapes. I am forever inspired by coastal scenes and sunsets. Life can be chaotic and stressful at times; and I want my paintings to provide a moment of calm and serenity for the viewer. I love soft, simplistic color palettes full of pastels and neutrals. The majority of my inspiration comes from the destinations my husband and I travel to because few things make me happier than when I get to explore with him.

I have loved art for as long as I can remember; however it wasn’t until high school that I was introduced to oil painting and started to gain confidence in my work. While my professional background is human resources; art and painting have remained a constant in my life. In addition to my professional career and family life, I have instructed art classes, worked for interior designers, and created custom paintings for family, friends, and clients.

My short-term goals include setting up my new art studio, creating a collection of paintings, building my online art presence and submitting some pieces to local art galleries. My long-term goals include continuing to take commissions for custom paintings, start an Etsy shop, and maybe get lucky enough one day to have my artwork sold at reputable retailers such as Serena and Lily, I love their aesthetic!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part about being a creative is that moment of the process when your vision starts to come to life. In general, the process of art and painting is satisfying to me – I love going into my studio, listening to music and getting immersed in a painting. I recently got the opportunity to work for a client who requested an oil painting depicting a special memory of a loved one and their father. The painting was a gift to the son who had recently lost his father. I was so grateful as an artist that my work could provide that for someone.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The HR Scorecard by Dave Ulrich, Mark A Huselid, and Brian E Becker; HR from the Outside In by Dave Ulrich, Jon Younger, Wayne Brockbank, Mike Ulrich
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight;
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson; and
Thrivers by Michele Borba, ED.D.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: kristypartainart

Image Credits
N/a. All photos have been taken by me.