Art & Life with Cristall Harper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristall Harper.

Cristall, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
After receiving a failing grade for my BFA Senior Show and “flunking out” of some good galleries due to zero sales, I took a break from looking outward and began a daily painting practice. I was not a good painter even though I had graduated from a 4-year art program. It took me about 15 years before I would say I met my long-term goals of production, quality, and partnership with high-caliber galleries. These days I’m a full-time painter who has reached the loveliest stage: I can afford to be choosy with who I work with and where I spend my creative energy. I am as busy as I want to be, and my career has already exceeded my expectations.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I paint around 150-200 pieces a year. About 75% are of animals (mostly dogs), and the other 25% are florals and seascapes. I had a yellow lab named Buttercup for 10 years who inspired the beginning of my dog paintings, and I owe that branch of my career to her. I have a good eye for composition and color. It’s very satisfying for me to “see” what I see and turn that into paintings for others to enjoy. I get my floral inspiration from local gardens and seascape inspiration from my travels and imagination. I work primarily “alla prima” in oils, but when the painting asks for it, I’ll use mixed media (acrylic, ink, colored pencil, oils) with multiple layers.

How do you define and attain success?
That’s a great question. Success is having an identifiable style. For me, this took years of work. The more I painted, the more anything that “wasn’t me” faded away. Then one day I had “a style” without even meaning to. When people know a painting is yours without seeing the signature, that’s exciting. Be authentic. When you have a voice, and you’re good at what you do, production is sustainable. Gallery representation and sales will follow.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Gallery MAR, Park City, Utah

Astoria Fine Art, Jackson, Wyoming

Foursquare Art, Phoenix, Arizona

My website www.cristallharper.com

My Instagram @cristallharper

Join my mailing list via my website to get invitations and notifications about special events.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cristallharper.com
• Email: afharpers@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristallharper/ or @cristallharper

Image Credit:
Cristall Harper

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