Hello! My name is Kristina Joy. I am an oil painter from Duluth, MN. After years and years of painting all kinds of subject (portraits, the lake, still life..etc) I have finally settled primarily on birds.

Why birds?

Because I day I got inspired to paint one. (I’m sure it was God!) Well, once I got started, I just didn’t want to stop. Birds are cute, bring so much joy to the heart and so unique and colorful. Plus, I discovered I’m not the only one who likes them! And it brings me so much satisfaction to paint birds and share them with other people who really appreciate them.

I paint primarily birds around Minnesota. That said I am not going to limit myself to just the species around me. My original bird paintings can be purchased too by the way. I show some of the available ones on my website kristinajoy.com and also on Facebook marketplace.

My originals are painted on canvas panels with oil paint. I usually use both soft and bristle brushes. I coat the final versions with varnish for longevity…etc

How did I get started as an artist?

A lady named Karen invited me to receive some free watercolor lessons. And then my dad noticed I had some potential and encouraged me to go to art school. I graduated from MCAD in Minneapolis. After that, I became an art teacher in Guadalajara Mexico at the Lincoln School. There I stared coloring with crayons in the evening.

Eventually when I went back to Minnesota I met Don Marco - a master crayon artist. He mentored me and taught me all kinds of things about crayon techniques. This got me started on drawing. And in time I opened 3 art studios - 2 of them being in the DeWitt Seitz Marketplace in Canal Park.

The cold winters in Duluth motived me to eventually move to Phoenix, AZ. There I was an administrative assistant and art teacher at a private high school. In time, I returned back to Minnesota and began to paint in earnest.

I did commission work and all kinds of nature work - including landscapes, and even religious paintings. Now, I mostly focus on painting birds. And I love it!

What is my intention with my paintings?

To share God’s incredible beauty with the world and provide a place of joy, delight and solace in this very crazy world.

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and view my paintings. I’m accessible - so don’t be shy if you have a question or comment!

Kristina Joy

instagram: kristinajoyartwork