Kristin Aplin

When I see complex patterns in nature, I have a visceral reaction to the extraordinary beauty of our Earth. I am especially attracted to tree branches, leaves, roots, rock faces and water as evidenced by the 50,000+ photos in my phone.

I enjoy digitally manipulating my photos to make digital paintings. But I also crave a more hands-on expression of the awe I feel about the natural world—so I paint. Often I combine digital and traditional painting methods for a result that I could not create with one or the other alone.

Recently, I discovered that making my own collage papers can result in very interesting organic forms. It fascinates me to watch beautiful natural shapes and lines form as I experiment with different paints, inks, materials and techniques. I apply these to a base of abstract color or even old, “failed” paintings. I am delighted when an abstracted nature scene emerges out of that combination.

The realistically rendered elements added to my collaged paintings are my invitations to you to look into the random images and see a forest, or an estuary, for example.

At first glance, enjoy the textures of paint and paper. As you look further, discover the animals and the environments they inhabit. I hope you then return to appreciating the organic patterns created by my process.

Mediums: Acrylic Painting with Collage, Digital Painting