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If we are drawn to paint what we love, then I have found it in nature. Flowers, trees, water and sky are the inspiration for most of my paintings.
When living a contemplative life of prayer, as I do, one becomes sensitive to the voice of beauty, especially in nature. Sunrise and sunset are times of the day when mystics say there is a crack in the sky and the veil between heaven and earth is thin, and God is close. Various methods are used in these watercolor paintings, such as the crinkled textures of Masa paper or pure colors poured on illustration board. These bring a semi-abstract realism which captures the essence of the subject. The added use of collage completes the harmonious picture I have in mind. However, I especially love watercolor when it does its “O Happy Fault”; when it takes on a life of its own, surprising me with beautiful effects I didn’t intend.
I find inspiration in the Letter to Artists by St. John Paul II which begins thus: “To all who are passionately dedicated
to the search for new “epiphanies” of beauty
so that through their creative work as artists
they may offer these as gifts to the world.
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Gn 1:31)
I hope that my art will bring you inspiration and joy.
Sr. Kristine Haugen
Mount Carmel Hermitage
HERMITAGE ARTS •2514 92nd Street • Luck, WI 54853 • Email