Throughout the month of October, South Walton’s Coastal Branch Library will host works of art by Kristina Perry, a self-taught artist originally from the beautiful countryside of Lapland by the Arctic Circle in Sweden. Her family moved to South Florida when she was a teenager.

“I seek to capture the soul of the person or animal – not just their likeness,” said Kristina. “It is when I relax and surrender to the moment … and when tears well up in the eyes of my client when they see my finished painting of their beloved pet or person for the first time … when I know I have found my calling.”

In her early 20s, Kristina began working as a drafter in an engineer’s office after taking a short course at a vocational school. She eventually started her own business and worked as an architectural designer in Palm Beach County for over 20 years. In 1996, she returned to school and earned her B.A. degree in psychology from The Union Institute and University.

Equally adept at figurative, still-life and landscapes, Kristina enjoys working with a variety of mediums. Her love of nature and a deep respect for the tradition of art serve as both guide and inspiration to her goal of contributing to the world of painting. Having a strong drafting background, now as a fine artist, she realizes that her initial drawing skills are key to the development of each painting regardless of subject matter. She views art as a continuous learning process while experimenting with new tools, techniques and challenges.

“My goal as an artist is to create paintings that are visually stimulating and powerful and that resonate in some emotional way with the viewer,” she said. “I marvel at the beauty and complexity of creation, the interaction between light and shadow, space and atmosphere and the brilliance and subtleties of color.”

Kristina lives in DeFuniak Springs, Florida with her husband and serves as Vice President of Walton County Art League. She welcomes commissions and her work can be viewed at Northwest Florida State College-South Walton Campus, from October 1st through 31st as well as on her website.