Gallery I-Krista Skelton

 Classical watercolor painter, Krista Skelton, lives in Hickory with her husband, Dane.

She fell in love with the medium at Agnes Scott College. Drawing inspiration from Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, N.C. Wyeth, and Andrew Wyeth, Krista focuses on the natural beauty of creation with a special emphasis on color and light.

Artist Statement:

We were made to be part of creation's beauty. It is important for our wellbeing. Everyone needs to step outside and feel the warm sun and the soft breeze, hear the birds, look closely at wondrous growing things, and just breathe deeply. Especially in our digital age, getting away from screens and into nature is vital. I also believe that having beauty around you is important. That is why I paint. I want people to experience the joy and beauty of the creation when they see my paintings.

Renoir said, “To my mind, a painting should be something pleasant, cheerful, pretty, yes, pretty. There are too many unpleasant things in life as it is without creating still more of them." When I read this quote, I thought – THAT’S ME! Life isn't always happy – but looking at a beautiful painting can lift our spirits and whisper hope in our hearts.

I strongly believe that people were created in God's image and therefore, every person is creative. Creative comes in many forms, in different ways for different people. I love helping kids and adults discover art and creativity. My mission in life is not

only to create beauty but also to teach others to discover their own creative streak and to enjoy sharing their vision of beauty.