Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Krieg.
Hi Stacy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have an MBA and worked in the corporate world for many years. I was the Director of Benefits for a large firm. I really enjoyed my work and still to this day enjoy numbers. For some crazy reason – art and numbers seem to work well together! In 2012, I had to leave my job because of a health issue. I developed pelvis and sciatic nerve issues after having my kids. I was devastated because I loved my job so much. Since 2012, I have had over 20 surgeries to correct the issue. Some of the surgeries helped me to improve, while others made the situation much worse. To this day, I am still trying to seek out answers to help my situation. I am not able to sit really at all to this day. I have to be in almost constant motion to help the nerve feel better.
Since I went from working FT to not working at all, I began painting. I tried every medium I could think of. I had been painting in acrylics for fun for many years prior. I tried mixed media, encaustic (painting with beeswax), and oil. I landed on oil, and I still use that medium to this day. Given my love and passion for the impressionist era, I was instantly drawn to old school – tried and true techniques – of oil painting. The paint will last forever and it is amazing to work with.
After painting for about a year, I began selling my work. I also began teaching art to adults. I really loved teaching! It gave me a tool to help people get out of their heads and relax, letting the paint take them to places outside their normal routines. It was a magical experience. For the most part however, I was focused on marketing my work and developing my social media platform and website.
I have been extremely fortunate ever since. To improve my own techniques, I have studied under the Russian Master Artist, Slava Korolenkov. He has come to Kansas City several times and I have received formal training from him. He and I paint in a similar way, so he gave me the courage to really speak my own voice and not follow the norm. I have a quote that I always say and it rings true to this day. Being an abstract artist, my feeling is that I need to be able to paint detailed realism in order to abstract a subject. This way, I understand exactly what it is I am abstracting. So I studied for years on realistic methods, knowing full well that my passion was (and is) abstraction.
To me, abstract or semi-abstract paintings take you to places that are far beyond ordinary. It allows you to get a glimpse of a subject and make your own interpretations. The painting takes each person to a different place. I also am a big believer in the power of color. I love color! I work with many clients on changing the dynamics of a room through a piece of art. I have studied and enjoy interior design, as well. So as of late, I have been working with people on creating neutral palettes in their homes, only to add a pop of color with a large piece of art. It is a special process because I can come in with a new way of looking at a room and give it a fresh update. That has been a lot of fun!
Recently, working one on one with clients and establishing close relationships has been extremely important to me. About a year ago, I lost my husband. We had been married almost 25 years. My entire world has changed and I still feel very lost without him. I have leaned on my art to pull me through this extremely difficult time. Since his passing, I have had many clients as me to help them rethink their spaces, and this has led to many close friendships and working closely with people. I have greatly enjoyed that and it has been very healing for me. I also sell a lot of my work online. I am fortunate to have all the support that I have. I am so proud to be in everyone’s homes.
I firmly believe that if you connect with a piece of art, you will never tire of it. It will always be very special to you. I also believe that art can change the mood of your entire home. It is very important in society. It brings us together in ways that even I don’t understand. It is just a little glimpse into each artist’s brain and what makes them tick.
Thank you all for the ongoing support. Although I could not have predicted the trajectory of my life, moving from business to art, it has been more rewarding than I could have imagined. I am thankful that I made the best out of a challenging situation and decided to take a risk and sell my work. It has been wonderful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Selling art can be a long, arduous road. It sounds exciting and fun, but there is a lot of work that goes along with it. Namely, you have to get your name out there so people know you. That takes a very long time to make traction – years. The internet and social media have helped that situation, but you have to be very diligent to become known. It also takes a great deal of organization and focus. There are many ways to sell but if you spread yourself too thin, you can lose focus on your main goal. My main goal is selling online and making long-term connections with clients. This takes time and energy. But it is always worth it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an oil painter. I use old world techniques because they are tried and true and absolutely beautiful. Oil paintings will last forever and they have a gorgeous finished look that in my opinion, can’t be replicated by anything else. Oil can be tricky to work with, but it is worth it. I am known for taking subjects and abstracting them in bursts of color. I would say that I am most known for the bright and bold colors that I use. I also am known for painting abstract figures – a series that I always call “The Girls”. I also paint landscapes, given the fact that I spend a great deal of time at the ocean. I absolutely love abstract seascapes.
What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and my desire to know my clients. I love forming long-term friendships with clients and helping them redesign their homes with art. I am also very meticulous. I learned to custom frame for people because I want my clients to have a finished piece when it arrives to them.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice for finding a mentor is to reach out to people you like online. I sought out a Russian Master Artist years ago, Slava Korolenkov, after seeing his work in Vail, CO. To my surprise, he reached back out to me and we have become very good friends. He has come to the states and I have studied under him for years. A mentor is a must for an artist. Slava gave me the courage to speak my own voice and be authentic to the way I wanted to put my art into the world. He also taught me the powerful message that “one stroke can make all the difference in a painting”. I will always remember that!
In addition, there are so many groups online and in person to make connections with. I tend to be a lone ranger – getting lost in my own work – but it is always nice to meet other artists and get to know people.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.stacykrieg.com
- Instagram: @stacykriegart
- Facebook: Stacy Krieg Artist
