What's Behind Those Windows?

Morning Windows
Charleston, South Carolina

I started painting windows many years ago.  I was drawn to them whether they were broken, ancient, plain, or decorated.

Blue Shutters - Casa Feliz
Winter Park, Florida

I thought they would make ready subject matter.  Think about it -- windows are pretty much every where.  

Before the Storm
Charleston, South Carolina

They have a life of their own 

depending on the weather and time of day.

I found I preferred the older ones, the ones with more character, who had seen and experienced more in their lives.

Moonlit Ruins - Bulow Plantation, Florida

Passages , Princess Place - Flagler County, Florida

I fell in love with cities and towns just by what kind of windows I found wandering when I was wandering the streets -- Charleston, Savannah, 

and of course the jewel box of Paris

Spring Light  - Charleston, South Carolina

Evening Window - Savannah, Georgia

Paris Window - Paris, France

Sometimes a window can look out and speak volumes of the person who has lived in that house -- like this one in the kitchen of the Olson home in Cushing, Maine -- where Christina of the famous Wyeth painting, "Christina's World" spent her life.

Winter Memory Olson House - Cushing, Maine

Solitude - Owl's Head, Maine

Windows have become a symbol of memories and travels to me, ambassadors of the city where they dwell. I never cease to wonder about what is behind all those windows.  In many ways, they are like people, not so different in look, silence and solitude.

For more information about my artwork and my paintings of other things besides windows, please visit by web page at:

Krys Pettit -- Artist

The Color Pink - What the Heck?

I was attempting to find a common thread in my work, other than subject matter.  Color came next. Now let me just say I am not a big fan of pink for my wardrobe or decor. Never was.  But for some reason I use it a lot in my art.  Maybe it's the tropical climate I live in, maybe its because one of my favorite colors of pink on my palette is called Opera by Holbein Paints.  Which I found out refers to the color of the inside of the cape opera singers wore years ago (don't bet the farm on this explanation).
Whatever reason pink is everywhere and considering it is spring, it may be a fitting color for now.
I think the next round of color group will be purple and magenta -- how regal for me!
Visit my website for a peek of my other favorite colors in my paintings.
Krys Pettit - Artist

I've Got Style-But What Exactly Is It?

"The Red Gate"
Krys Pettit
Oil on Canvas Panel

"Down the Garden Path"
Krys Pettit
Oil on Canvas Panel

An artist strives to have a particular style.  So I was elated when two very informed art mentors/instructors told me I had a "lyrical style."  Then I realized I had no idea what a lyrical style was.
Granted I NEVER paint without listening to music, instrumental or vocal, rock to classical.  I've been known to sing while I paint (usually something in the great American Songbook and old standards), but I suspect this isn't what my art contemporaries mean by "lyrical style."
Thanks to all that is great and on Google I was able to solve the mystery of what kind of style I do indeed have.
The Museum of Modern Art Glossary of Art Terms state that Lyrical means "Expressing deep personal emotion or observations; highly enthusiastic, rhapsodic."  Simple enough.  But other glossaries go into more detail: "A quality... referring to a certain ethereal, musical, expressive, or poetic quality of artistic expression. Although difficult to define ... it possesses a certain spiritual or emotional quality... the work expresses a particularly profound, passionate or tender sentiment, perhaps related to romanticism or other lofty expression."  Quite the description -- frankly they got me at "...difficult to define..."
So I have a style - and although I'm not sure how to describe it I think it pretty much describes me. Now excuse me while I put another Cole Porter CD into my player.
To see more of my work (lyrical or not so much), please visit my website:
Krys Pettit - Painting Moments of Color and Light

Why Not Your House?

Family Home - Orlando, Florida

Family Home - North Florida

First Home - North Carolina

Family Home - Dordogne Region, France

Family Cabin, Adirondack Mountains, New York

Artists paint portraits of people, they paint portraits of animals and family pets.  I chose many years ago to paint portraits of homes.  I call them "House Portraits" but they are much more than a painting of a building.
When I meet with a client that has chosen me to create a painting of their home, I chat with them about the history of the house, where it is, how long they have lived there, perhaps their family life and the special moments that they remember from this particular home or building.
We talk about the colors of the house, the foliage, the time of year the photo reference was taken. These are the nuts and bolts of working with the patron and creating the painting.  But I feel that sometimes the most important thing a client can share is their memories and experiences.  This is what I keep in mind when I create these very special house portraits.  It is the essence of being in a unique, special home that I feel carries through into the work.
I had a friend tell me that she wouldn't think of having a portrait done of her home - that her house it is nothing special or grand.  I think of it differently -- it is special, grand, and wonderful because it is her home and a wonderful, unique, and warm place to remember.  It is much more than walls, a roof, windows, doors and a lawn.  It is where family happens.
So, why not your house?  Think about capturing it in a special light, a special time of year.  Think of it as something your kids, grandkids and other family members will treasure for years to come.  Why not your house -- because it is the most special place in the world.
For more samples of my commissioned house portraits and other pieces of my art, please visit my website:
Krys Pettit Art Commissioned Work