Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissy Newman.
Hi Chrissy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thank you for having me here. Painting had been a lifelong hobby. My father was a professional commercial artist, so art supplies were always available. But I’m self taught, so I never really imagined this little creative outlet would become such a big part of my life.
In 2019 I fell in love with fluid acrylics. I was drawn to their unpredictable nature and the sense of emotional freedom offered by letting go of rigid expectations and embracing the flow of the paints and their surprising outcomes. It was like a love connection that became my creative focus.
Little did I know that painting would also play a key role to my emotional and mental wellbeing. In 2021 I experienced the unimaginable loss of 5 family members within 7 months. Painting began to take on a very different role, now it took the form of therapy. The creative process became a pressure release valve, a way to step away from acute grief. When I took my pain to the paints, I would get into this almost meditative flow state where I completely lost track of time and, for a while, step away from the heaviness. Leaving me able to process grief with more strength.
Of course, my deepest healing and hope comes from my Bible-based faith, but painting became a quiet refuge for me. In many ways, painting helped heal my broken heart.
Today, I still paint from a place of curiosity and letting go. I often don’t know exactly what a painting is going to become when I start. I let intuition and the interaction between the paints guide me.
Living in Hawaii has also had a huge influence on my work. The ocean, the colors, the light, but it’s also the people, that sense of connection and the aloha spirit. All of that finds its way into my paintings.
What started as a hobby has grown into a real passion and an anchor. I’ve had the opportunity to have been exhibit internationally and to have my work published in several gallery books and a magazine.
But honestly, one of the greatest joys for me is hearing what people feel when they look at my work. If a painting makes someone feel peaceful, reminds them of their happy place in nature, or even evokes a sense of sadness, that’s meaningful to me. When a painting has connected with someone, I’m incredibly grateful for that. What started out as a creative outlet for myself has grown into something I can share with others. Sometimes it feels like I’m sharing a little piece of my heart. That can feel vulnerable, but it’s so worth it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, for sure there have been struggles. Imposter syndrome is real, especially when you’re mostly self taught. But I’ve had some amazing artists offer guidance and encouragement when it comes to the business side of art, and that has been incredibly reassuring and helpful.
More recently, I closed down my website because of some hosting challenges, and at the same time, My husband and I bought a house that we’re remodeling. So sometimes it feels a little like I’m starting over. Creating a new studio space in the middle of a construction zone definitely has its challenges!
I’m also in a new town now, so I’m figuring out what the right fit is for selling and sharing my work here. It’s definitely a season of change, but I’m learning to embrace the process and see where it leads.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint abstract art and abstract aerial ocean scenes, and honestly, I love them both. Abstract painting has always been my first love. Along the way, I stumbled onto a process for creating ocean paintings with these beautiful cells, it’s a frothy surf foam effect. It’s not uncommon for people to ask me if I use resin in my ocean paintings, but I don’t. I’ve even had resin artists ask me how I create the effect. It came from years of experimenting, trying different techniques, and a whole lot of trial and error. Over time, I developed my own proprietary paint mixtures and processes that allow me to consistently create that ocean movement and beautiful surf foam effect. I think that experimentation and willingness to keep pushing the materials until I discover something new is a big part of what sets my work apart. I didn’t set out to create a particular look, I just kept experimenting, documenting processes and following my curiosity, and eventually I developed something that feels uniquely mine.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Oh absolutely! When I first started with fluid acrylics, YouTube was a wealth of information on paints, recipes, and techniques.
I’m inspired by the works of Helen Frankenthaler, (1928-2011)
And particularly inspired by the art of Paul Jenkins (1923-2012) and his poured paint technique. I read everything I could find about it. That led me into years of experimentation, trying to create a similar effect. It’s a process I don’t see being taught, so the trial and error has been a big part of my journey as an artist. I’ve also enjoyed books like ‘Steal Like an Artist,’ and I’m currently reading ‘Art and Fear’ and ‘The Creative Act.’ I listen to podcasts like ‘The Hidden Brain,’ ‘TED Talks,’ and ‘The Savvy Painter.’ I’ve also taken a few online painting courses that have helped shape the way I work with paint. My favorite website to help me do best in life is JW.org. And of course, Instagram is such a great platform for sharing my work and connecting with other artists. Having a community is essential to me. Family, friends, and fellow creatives for networking, sharing ideas, constructive criticism & feedback. All these resources encourage me to keep experimenting and find my own way on this creative path.
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