Conversations with Kris Lee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Lee.

Hi Kris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am originally from San Jose, CA, but have resided in the Clarksville, TN area since 1999 when the US Army brought my husband to Ft. Campbell, KY. Upon his retirement in 2007, our family chose to stay and make Tennessee our permanent home.

While being a military spouse for most of my marriage, I have had a variety of different careers. Through it all I have had a passion for art, both performing and visual. As a dancer as a child and through college, I am no stranger to the stage. As a college student, I majored in art, and as an adult, I dabbled in graphic arts for local advertising.

In 2017, after a creative drought, I was convinced by my sister-in-law, Maria Valehrach to try oil painting. With no prior experience in this medium, I rose to the challenge. Despite being primarily self-taught at that time, and with some coaching from Maria, I fell in love with the oils, canvas, brush, and pallet knife. I am an avid hiker and love the beauty of the mountains and the Tennessee countryside. These very images are where I get much of my inspiration to paint.

In 2021, my dear friend Ryan Bowie opened a little shop in downtown Clarksville. He encouraged me to hang some of my pieces in his shop to sell. It was such a great avenue to get my work out there. Then in 2022, I noticed that the Downtown Artists Coop was holding an open Juried art exhibition, and I was encouraged to enter. I wasn’t expecting to win, therefore I was completely surprised when they called my name as 1st place in the oil medium category!

Fast forward to now. I have sold several of my pieces and have painted a few commissions as well. I also have taken some lessons and coaching from my friend and mentor Betty Liles. Last spring, with Betty’s encouragement, I took my easel and oils outside and started plein air painting. I just love being outdoors painting in the beauty of nature! During this past summer, I decided to take the plunge and join the above-mentioned Coop. I feel it is time to start networking with like-minded artists and showing more of my work.

Going into the future, I hope to continue honing my skills and craft and continue this journey of “Kris Lee Fine Art” and beyond…

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would not say the road has been smooth… I went through several decades of creative drought. My only struggle has been with my self-confidence, belief in myself, and the possibilities that I could create.

The art community here in Clarksville has been so welcoming and encouraging. Who says you can’t reinvent yourself in your 60s?

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a stay-at-home wife, mother of 3 adult daughters, and grandmother of 3 beautiful granddaughters and one grandson on the way. I try to spend much of my free time painting in my studio and weather permitting, plein air painting. I specialize in landscapes and realism but am not beyond taking the challenge of other subjects or mediums.

As far as what I’m most proud of? First of all, the awards I have received; were 1st place in 2022 and an honorable mention this past year. Second, I am proud of how far I’ve come with my art in such a short time. As far as what sets me apart. That’s a hard question. I would say that my lifelong background in the arts has influenced my visual art.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have struggled all my life with self-confidence and have had self-esteem issues. Because of this, I tend to be pretty introverted. Through all this, my art has been a great way to express myself and overcome many of these fears.

Contact Info:

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