Statement

A significant part of my painting practice includes painting on location. I enjoy the challenges of scouting a location, setting up, and reacting to what is in front of me.

This genre of painting known as premier coup challenges me to make a complete statement within a finite amount of time. Complete—not meaning a fully resolved and literal rendering of what I see, but rather a work that expresses a particular moment or mood though the action of marks made, colors mixed and descriptive elements chosen to be included or purposely left out.

The unpredictable nature of this kind of work is what keeps me engaged and coming back for more. I cannot start with many pre-determined expectations—I can only work with what I have in each moment. Because that moment can never be repeated, in most cases I choose not to further refine or rework once I return to the studio. That particular time has passed, making the painting one of a kind.

Much of my time is devoted to figurative painting. I regularly attend group drawing sessions with live models and sittings for portrait painting. I paint from life and/or reference depending on the desired outcome and resources available at the time, whether it be a narrative piece, an interpretation of an historical work or experimental work.

I was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Drawing and painting were natural outlets. A pivotal shift occurred when I attended a class in figure drawing at the University of Miami. After graduation I began a career in graphic design, keeping fine art pursuits on the side. Eventually I returned to East Tennessee, earned a MFA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and maintained a full-time studio practice. I now call Tucson, Arizona my home having relocated our family in mid 2021. I look forward to discovering the western part of the US and seeing how it influences my work. In addition to the human figure, my work includes urbanscapes and still lifes.

Influences are many including artists such as Edward Hopper, Charles Sheeler and countless masters.

Bio

Kris Rehring is a figurative painter. She earned a BS from the University of Miami, Coral Gables and an MFA in Graphic Design from the University of Tennessee. She also attended the Jerusalem Studio School Summer Art School and Residency’s Master Class program in Civita Castellana, Italy. Kris has exhibited work nationally and is the recipient of several awards including grant funding and is a member of the National Association of Women Artists. She has been a lecturer at the University of Tennessee’s School of Art and Architecture. Kris organized and maintained a group studio called Studio 2515 in Knoxville, TN. As of late summer 2021, she and her family relocated to Tucson, AZ where she continues her studio practice while exploring the western part of the US. To find out more about Kris Rehring, visit www.krisrehring.com.