Kristy Chettle

'Envious' - by Kristy Chettle - Vibrant Figurative Nude - Oil on Reclaimed Wood

2023

Kristy Chettle (b. 1968, Bellflower, CA) is a dynamic abstract artist who paints using only her hands. She works in a sort of “focused frenzy”, painting expressive works deep with bold colors in complex layers. After earning a degree in Art & Design, she began her professional career as a graphic designer and now seeks to deconstruct the confines of modern media. As a California native, she is compelled to explore themes such as nature, metamorphosis, and personal growth, which are reflective of the ever-changing environment of the region. Using a vibrant and sometimes unexpected color pallet, Chettle’s work is expressive featuring heavy strokes and dramatic motion. Using multiple layers she creates a complex, almost tactile surface, inviting the viewer to dive into the painting and explore its depths. The artist sees her style as a liberation from the rigid rules of marketing, yet she intuitively implements the disciplines she was taught. Working primarily with complimentary colors, her paintings are lively and raw with color vibrating throughout from layers deep within the work. Kristy has been a professional abstract artist for many years. Her artwork hangs in the homes of those who appreciate art that reflects expressive motion and color with thick layers of texture and meaning. Inspired by some of the greats—Picasso and Van Gogh in particular—she aspires to replicate the depth and life that their works portray.