About the Artist

From the salt marshes of the Connecticut coast to the rolling hills of the Berkshires, Kris enjoys exploring the interplay of color and layers of light to create an emotional undercurrent.  She strives to give each a piece a tangible mood, a sense of atmosphere.

While Kris' starting point is nature, the final landscape is a combination of the artistic process and her imagination. She begins with a luminous glow, prepping the canvas with a layer of copper or gold acrylic gloss.  Often, she adds surface texture for visual interest, like the weave of a textile or the feel of a plaster wall.  She then switches to her primary medium - oil paint. 

As the landscape unfolds, Kris builds veils of light, fluid reflections and misty depths by softly layering and blending both opaque colors and translucent glazes - often using tools such as rags, oversized brushes and her hands.  At times, she will work back through the layers to expose the metallic gloss for a final luminous touch.

Education & Background: 
Kris discovered her love of art as a student.
- Williams College                             BA - Art
- Columbia University                       MBA
- The Guggenheim Museum            Internship
- Christie’s Auction House               Internship
- Williams College Museum of Art   Internship

Then, while pursuing a career in brand marketing in NYC, Kris furthered her art and design studies at the Parsons School of Design, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Art Students League of New York. 

Kris lives with her husband and three children in coastal Connecticut. She paints in a light-filled studio at WALA - Wilson Avenue Loft Artists - in South Norwalk, CT.

Former Studio: NEST Arts Factory, Studio #30

Selected for "The Art Edit" Spring 2018

Selected for the Conde Nast
"The Art Edit"

Pottery Barn Solo Show 2016

Pottery Barn Solo Show

Notable Shows & Events:

Rowayton Arts Center
- MASTERS 2025
- Juried Show, Awarded 3rd Place
- Community Awards 2024
- Best in Show & 1st Place (Oils)
- Maine & Coastal Show (2018-2025)
- Best In Show, 2020
- 1st Place (Oils), 2018
NEST Arts Factory
- Bridgeport Art Trail (2021-2025)
CCNS (Rowayton, CT)
- Juried Show, 2016 - 2026
Artists Collective of Westport
- Pop-Up Members’ Shows (2018-2026)
Ridgefield Guild of Artists
- Autumn Juried Show 2021
- Art Walk & Member Shows
Carriage Barn Arts Center
- Art in the Windows (New Canaan)
- Member Shows (2019-2026)
Gallery@Pearl
- “Summer by the Sea” Spring 2019
The Wilton Library
- "All About Color" Juried Show 2019
House & Garden / Conde Nast
- "The Art Edit" Spring 2018
Design Within Reach
- Pop-up Show, 2018
Pottery Barn
- Solo Show, 2016

MEMBERSHIPS
Artists Collective of Westport
- Active Member (Juried)
Carriage Barn Arts Center
Greenwich Arts Council
Ridgefield Guild of Artists
Rowayton Arts Center
- Full Exhibiting Member (Juried)

Thank you for your interest in my art.  I welcome studio visits, commissions and private sales.  Please contact me via my website for details or email me directly at Kris.D.Toohey@gmail.com.
— Kris