"As a painter, I am drawn to still life because I am fascinated by objects and the power they have to tell stories. I have always been interested in the human stories we have deduced from the artifacts of previous cultures. Paintings, pottery, sculptures, folktales all reflect the lives of the people and time in which they were created. Using everyday objects, I enjoy exploring the stories that shape whe we imagine we are and who we wish we could be. I hope the viewer sees the beauty and whimsy of our everyday world in my work"
Kirsten Whalen is a native Californian, born and raised in Sacramento. She holds degrees in Design from University of California, Davis, and Fine Art Drawing and Painting from Laguna College of Art + Design. After several years working as a graphic designer in publishing, she refocused her creative efforts on fine art, working in watercolor and mixed media. Her background in the graphic arts is still evident in her work, in which she combines a keen eye for composition with deft touches of humor. Kirsten has been a regular exhibitor at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach since 2008, and an Artist Member of the California Arts Club. She has works in private collections locally and across the US.
Selected Exhibitions and Awards
2008-2024 Exhibitor at the Festival of Arts, Laguna Beach
2024 113th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, California Art Club, Hilbert Museum of California at Chapman University, Orange Ca
2024 California Cool Auction 2024 Laguna Art Museum, Art Auction, Laguna Beach
2023 Feast for the Eyes, California Art Club Gallery at the Old Mill, Pasadena CA
2023 112th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition, California Arts Club, Bowers Museum
2014- 2023 California Cool Auction Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
2012 WFWS 37, Las Vegas, NV; Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, Honorable Mention
2012 Laguna Beach Music Festival, participating artist
2011 OC Can You Play, participating artist
2010 Landscapes from the Festival of Arts , City Hall, Laguna Beach
2010 "Hanging Around" selected as the Festival of Arts 2012 souvenir poster
2007 Art that is Small in City Hall, Laguna Beach, First Place