Kristye-Dudley-Contemporary-Artist-Headshot

Welcome to my studio.

I am Kristye, a contemporary abstract painter, designer, writer, illustrator, and teacher living in Northern Virginia.

I see the figure as a shell for the spirit. I enjoy using impressionistic strokes, featureless faces, and expressive forms to exhibit the universal emotions we all share. I explore nature, life, and the beauty of emotional self-reflection in the world around us. I hope that my work will touch and inspire you.

Learn more about me

What My Collectors Say

Marianne Glaser

"I worked with Kristye on a surprise commission piece for my husband on Father's Day. I wish I had videotaped his reaction, because it spoke volume of her talent. It now hangs proudly in our home. Thank you Kristye!!!"

Andy McNeill

“Kristye created a painting that is a treasured moment caught in time. We could not be happier with the result. Thank you Kristye!”

Carol Breeding 

Former Exc. Dir. Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation 

"Kristye, "In the Huddle", was absolutely beautiful. I want to thank you for sharing your extraordinary talent with us."

Let's Work Together

Commission

Commission

Envisioning a special memory as a timeless artwork? Decide on your image, pick between watercolor or acrylic, and set the size. Let's co-create a masterpiece that resonates with your heart. Tap into your artistic side and connect with me – let's make art together!

License

License

My portfolio of watercolor patterns, handwritten type, and acrylic paintings are ready to be reproduced for surface design. Interested in exploring more of my artwork or seeking custom artwork? Reach out to me; I'd be thrilled to collaborate with you!

Inquiries

Inquiries

Whether you're a fellow artist eager to discuss techniques, a gallery considering an exhibition, an art representative, or a collector on the hunt for a new artist, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out, let's start a conversation!

Let's Get Social!

Instagram

Day 7 - A Time When You Overcame A Challenge

I have not painted as many figures recently and this prompt led me back to my faceless forms. The void I felt after my cancer surgery, is something that I still carry with me. It doesn't weigh me down anymore, but it reminds me how far I have come.

#abstractart  #abstractfigurativeart #cancersurvivor #createwithkristye #artinspiration
Day 7 - A Time You Overcame a Challenge

One of the biggest challenges I have overcome is cancer. It took me by surprise and forever changed me. My faith and family were how I kept positive, pushed fear out of the foreground, and focused on my future. Now I can call myself a survivor.

#cancersurvivor #artistsoninstagram #createwithkristye #ArtJournal #blackartist #BlackHistoryMonth #ArtInspiration #AbstractArt
Day 6 - An Activity That Brings You Joy

Have you had a conversation with a teenager lately? The flow of information can be dizzying.😂 That is what inspired my doodle for the day. The colorful stories, giggles, and fast-changing topics are full of energy, bringing me so much joy.

#laughteristhebestmedicine #StorytellingMagic #teenagerslife #momlife #abstractart #CreateWithKristye #ArtInspiration #blackmomsrock
Day 6 - Activity That Brings You Joy

Today the kids had a two-hour delay to school due to the weather. Fortunately, our roads were clear and we didn't have ice. The delay allowed us more time to talk before school, I even drove my daughter to school so that we could have more time to chat. Since she is a freshman in HS,  I know the days before college are numbered so I take advantage of those time together. Today's activity that brings me joy, is spending quality time with my family. What is it for you?

#momofteensandtweens #createwithkristye #BlackHistoryMonth #blackartist #ArtInspiration
Day 5 - A Small Detail You Noticed Today

I am working in a variety of mediums as I explore the focus of my next collection. I am using oil pastels, acrylic ink, gouache, oil sticks, and more. The mix of mediums provides interesting contrasts in texture and depth. The incandescent acrylic ink is the small detail of the day, shining like a jewel in a field of green.

#abstractart #littlethingsmatter #createwithkristye
Day 5 - A Small Detail You Noticed Today

Today, I had a doctor's appointment. It was just a physical exam, but while waiting in the lobby, I noticed an older man waiting alone in the lobby. He was kind, and we exchanged smiles. A few minutes later, an older woman came out. It was his wife. They left arm in arm. It was such a small, sweet gesture. 

It reminds me of my parents and the relationship they had with one another. My father had the habit of listening out for my mother's car. He would rush to the door to help her with her things and give her a kiss before she could even get out of the car. Small things can mean so much.💕

#blacklove #BlackHistoryMonth #blackartist #createwithkristye