About the Artist

Business Card 

Phone: 478-335-8740

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: www.youtube.com/kariwaltz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KariWaltzArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kariwaltz

Macon, GA

ARTIST STATEMENT

I was born to create. Maybe this statement is an exaggeration, but God has instilled in me a thirst that can only be quenched through some form of creative outlet. I am inspired by nature and find wonderment in God's creation. Seeing the beauty of this world is an escape visually, spiritually, and emotionally. Personally, my art is a therapeutic escape that brings me peace, and I am honored to share it with others.

ARTIST BIO

I am a versatile artist who works in oils, gouache, watercolor, pastels, and occasionally pyrography (wood burning). Most of my work is focused on realism where I explore the play of light on a subject or captures a special moment in time. I'm drawn to God’s creation and often work from plein air while on location, or from photographs taken from hikes in the woods with my husband or on the beach with my girlfriends.

I grew up in Texas and New Mexico and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Lubbock Christian University and completed a Master's in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University. I taught in the Texas and Georgia public school systems for 30 years. I have lived in Macon since 1986 and have been married to Brad since 1983. We have two daughters, Tawny and Kelcy.

After retiring from 30 years of teaching in public schools, I knew I wanted to pursue my art in some way. I sought out instructors whose work I respected for guidance and instruction. I worked on my craft, entered shows, won awards, sold in local galleries, and did commission work. I did portrait work for Mercer University, Atlanta Hawks Foundation, and even completed a painting for Bernice King (Martin Luther’s youngest daughter). By placing first in an event, I was featured in a full page spread in Plein Air Magazine. Despite these accomplishments, I realized that my deepest connection and fulfillment came not from selling work or being recognized, but from teaching others how to create.

When I was introduced to watercolor sketching and journaling, it opened another door for me. I discovered the joy of creating on the go with lightweight supplies, and I sketched more frequently. I collected memories in vivid color and sharpened my skills by working directly from life. When my family looked through a journal from a recent family trip, they laughed together at the experiences shared – it was a living memory. Later, my daughters told me of all the work I create, my journals are what they cherish most. This realization inspired me to guide others in documenting their memories and discovering the joy of creative journaling. Helping others capture what is important to them allows me to pass forward an appreciation for observation, gratitude, and mindful reflection. Through teaching, I hope to encourage others to slow down, to communicate in both words and pictures, and to create visual diaries that hold personal significance.

For me, art is not just a means of self-expression but a therapeutic escape that brings peace and connection. I thank God every day for the opportunity to share this passion with others, to build relationships through creativity, and to witness the healing and growth that can bloom from even the simplest sketch. Beyond my art, I find joy in hiking, spending time with my cat, savoring a good cup of coffee, and volunteering at my church and with nonprofit organizations. All these experiences continue to shape my journey, both as an artist and as someone who believes deeply in the power of creativity to enrich our lives.

TO THE READER:

Thank you for visiting my website! God is the ultimate creator, and I strive to honor Him as I pursue my art.

Please contact me if I can answer any questions or help you with any artistic endeavors.

Sincerely,
Kari Waltz

photos by leighwolfephotography.com