Kristen Ulla Grunewald Fine Art
Kristen Ulla Grunewald was born in Los Angeles, California, into a family of artists. Creativity was not just encouraged in her childhood - it was a way of life. Her grandfather was a plein air painter in Europe in the 1920's, and her Danish father was an oil painter who first placed a brush in her hand.
Kristen has studied art all of her life - first under her father's guidance and later through formal education. She was always drawn to the creative disciplines, studying drawing, painting, photography and graphic arts. Photography in particular has deeply influenced her work.
"I think photography has shaped the way I see. The way I frame a photograph translates directly into how I place objects on a canvas. When I begin a painting it's almost as if I'm looking through a camera lens - composing, balancing, searching for light. The photography influence is definitely there."
Although she built businesses in photography and graphic arts, oil painting has always been her go-to medium. "The one true constant in my art life has been oil painting. I love the medium - the richness, the depth, even the smells - I love the way the color can feel so vibrant and alive." Kristen's work is known for its deep thought, symbolism and spirituality - its bold color, high contrast and reflections of light - particularly in her floral paintings. Her art has often been compared to the feminine-strength style of Georgia O'Keeffe and the dynamic-energy of Thomas Hart Benton - comparisons she receives with deep gratitude. "I am honored when people see echos of O'Keeffe or Benton in my work. They were powerful artists with unmistakable voices."
She studied under Los Angeles artists Robert Kingston and John Corbeil, both of whom helped refine her technical foundation. "But at some point an artist has to let go of what she's been taught and push farther - to find her own voice. I believe I've done that."
Kristen has received awards for her work and has been interviewed numerous times about her artistic journey. Her paintings are held in private collections internationally including Japan, Brazil, Canada and Australia.
To Kristen, however, the most meaningful part of being an artist is when someone stands in front of a painting and feels something shift. Art is a personal and heartfelt experience. It can be a powerful and life changing experience.
She welcomes conversations about her work, commission inquiries, and she enjoys connecting with collectors, interior designers and art lovers. Art for her has always been about connection to others and finding the common ground between people. Art can change views, shift perceptions that people have had and it can change things for the better. Art has the power to heal.
