Special Readers’ Competition: 100 Paintings
The Art of Watercolour: Why did you choose to paint in watercolour?
Kris Parins: After earning an art degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I studied graphic design. As an
art director and account executive, I enjoyed creating illustrations for my clients’ product graphics. Since 1999, I have directed my creative energy towards fine art. The transparency of watercolour and its vibrancy combined with an element of surprise continue to keep me interested in this challenging medium. Frequent travels with my husband provide fresh input and continue to inform my way of interpreting the world around me.
TAW: Do you often take part in competitions (either online or in person)?
K. P.: Competitions have been extremely important to my artistic career. I do enter quite a few; as many as 42 in one year during the pandemic! The activity has been an excellent way to show my work to a wide audience, build a reputation, win awards, gain collectors and take part in a community of like-minded artists. The resulting résumé has added to my credibility as a serious artist.
TAW: Are you a member of any watercolour societies?
K. P.: I have earned signature status in several international watercolour societies: the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society, and Watercolor West. And I also hold signature status in regional and state societies: the Southern Watercolor Society, Florida Watercolor Society, Kentucky Watercolor Society, Missouri Watercolor Society and Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society. Furthermore, I’m an associate member of the Society of Animal Artists.
TAW: Tell us about your most memorable exhibitions.
K. P.: In 2014, I entered Birds in Art at the Woodson Art Museum for the first time, without fully appreciating the stature of that competition. I soon discovered that it is recognised around the world as the exhibition that sets the standard for avian art. Participating opened my eyes to a different level of art exhibition, incorporating all media. This year I am thrilled to have been juried in for the 6th time. Receiving my Signature Status, as well as an award in the 2016 American Watercolor Society Exhibition gave me greater confidence
to compete on an international level. In 2022 and 2023, I was invited to exhibit at the Fabriano in Acquarello event in Bologna, Italy, as one of the representatives of the USA.
TAW: What have you learned during your career?
K. P.: Be organised: have a good framework for keeping track of your inventory, collectors, events, income and expenses. Get advice and critiques from those who know what they are talking about, not just from adoring friends and relatives. Take workshops and read books by artists who are at the top of their field. Be easy to work with: editors, gallerists and other artists will offer you more
opportunities than they would offer to a prima donna. Be generous and kind: art is not a zero-sum activity. Pay your dues and pay it forward.
Zoom On ...
“Against the Light”
I feel that “Against the Light” is my best representation of the contest’s architectural theme. The painting’s composition puts the viewer right in the crowd, at the same level as the pedestrians crossing the busy New York intersection. The
diffused quality of light and minimal background detail capture the atmosphere and sensation of being among tall buildings in a big city.
My Materials
I learned to paint with Winsor & Newton tube paints and that is still my main brand. I like knowing the characteristics of their pigments so that I can be more spontaneous while in the process of painting. A few years ago, I won a selection of Mission brand paints and l like their
creamy intensity. I continue to use the paper I originally learned on: Arches 140# Cold Press, although I do experiment with other papers and textures quite frequently.
