Artists Spotlight: · Kristen Burke ·
The Saratoga County Airport is within walking distance of my home. I frequently visit, especially during storms since it offers a generous view of the sky. It has been newly updated, with a race horse statue out front to welcome in those who are visiting for the track season in Saratoga Springs. This is my interpretation of a setting sun reflecting light on the horse as he “takes off” in front of the runway.
This image depicts “Park Place,” which towers over Congress Park. The building has long been of interest to me, especially in the spring when the willow tree is coming to life. It won an “Honorary Mention” by juror Ann Larsen at the Saratoga: Town and Country show at the Eden Compton gallery in Saratoga Springs.
I am an oil painter drawn to portraying the more unsung locations and the people of my surroundings. My paintings depict the sublime beauty of the everyday, allowing shape and light to reveal the underlying beauty of overlooked spaces and those who inhabit them. Through the act of creation there is a sense of connection, of grounding, and of presence. My hope for the work is that those who engage with it will experience the same.
Kristen Burke is an upstate New York native whose first public show took place in her grandmother’s attic where pencil drawings could be purchased for 10 cents (Her grandmother was an avid collector). Her painting beginnings were in line and wash, a suitable medium for scratching her itch to draw architectural details and splash on some color. She later developed an affinity for oil painting and the rich colors and creamy texture it offers.
She is drawn especially to buildings and people at work or play. Her work has been shown at the Spencertown Art Academy, the Adirondack Artists’ Guild Gallery, the Eden Compton Gallery and Spa Fine Arts.
She is grateful to God for the practice, sensing that the desire to create is the fingerprint of our Creator. May He be glorified in all.
She is also a teacher in the Saratoga Springs City School District. She teaches English as a New Language at Geyser Road elementary in addition to painting in plein air or in her home studio as much as she can! All her work is for sale and available on her website! https://www.kristenburkefineart.com/
Art Instagram: @kburke.art