'Charming little life': Albuquerque-based artist Krysteen Waszak finds inspiration in nature

Krysteen Waszak’s muse is in nature.

As a plein air painter, the Albuquerque-based artist spends a lot of time outside.

Over the course of her time painting, she’s learned when she needs to be quick, as well as paying attention to weather patterns.

Waszak is one of the more than 200 artists that will be taking place in the 33rd Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival, which begins on Friday, Oct. 6. It runs two weekends at Sandia Resort & Casino.

Waszak also has the honor of being the poster artist for the festival.

“I’ve been doing shows with Rio Grande for a few years now,” she says. “When I was contacted about being the poster artist, it was surreal. I’ve been driving around town and seeing my work on billboards. It’s quite amazing.”

The festival features more than 200 artists during its seven-day run.

It will feature the works of painters, sculptors, potters, photographers, jewelers and more.

This lineup of artists has journeyed from as far as Virginia and Oregon — to as close as Jemez Pueblo — to show off their latest creations. This festival offers artists the opportunity to sell their art to a unique cross-section of tourists who visit Albuquerque during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

'Charming little life': Albuquerque-based artist Krysteen Waszak finds inspiration in nature

According to organizers, there will also be a culinary arts tent, artist’s demonstrations and a kid’s creation station.

Waszak is based in Albuquerque, yet also has a studio in Taos.

“It’s our charming little life,” she says. “I work on landscapes of northern New Mexico, and those pieces are huge. I have to have room to paint them all.”

Art has always been her passion.

She began painting Southwest style in the beginning.

“I worked at Country Furnishing of Taos,” she says. “I painted a lot of folk art furniture featuring animals and flowers.”

Over the years, her style has evolved from those days.

While she doesn’t paint every day, this gives her an opportunity to travel around the state and find the perfect locations where she will set up and paint plein air.

“My paintings are intense and they take hours of high-intensity focus,” she says. “I work on them for hours at a time. I’ve developed a loose, fast style that works for me once I get into the zone.”

Finishing of the paintings occurs in her studio.

“I’m really interpreting what I’m seeing,” she explains. “I’m not trying to paint a photograph. I enjoy standing outside painting for hours at a time and experiencing those moments that capture my attention. I know that the light will change as the hours pass, so I work quickly. I also am aware of the moments when I see a cow pass through the area I’m referencing. That’s when you really get to be a student of the landscape. It’s so delightful.”