Christine Van Sickle

Creating texture and sparking the imagination is at the core of my artworks. I have always loved the creative process and later in life it became a much needed escape from the daily stresses of life.

I start each piece with the background color, followed by texture, then begin incorporating the main subject. Sometimes it take MULTIPLE layers to get the look that I’m going for but that’s part of the fun. Other times I will start out painting something like a lighthouse seascape, and it turns into a surreal octopus climbing out of a portal. I just never know how a piece will end up when its finished!

I am constantly challenging myself to learn different techniques and ways to incorporate additional mediums to my pieces. I also find myself hiding things within my paintings - Sometimes if you look hard enough you will see a rock that is actually a sleeping dragon, other times there is so much to look at that you can stare at a piece for quite some time!

I try to incorporate at least one special element in each piece. Foil, textured patterns, modeling paste, gel, or just the use of bubble wrap or sponges for some special effects. Something to give it a personality all its own. My hope is that each piece I create will also bring a smile and a sense of wonder to others who have the opportunity to encounter my imagination at its best!

I grew up in Northeast Wisconsin and earned a degree in Marketing and Graphic Communications from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in 2001. Since then have worked in various graphic design positions across the state. I have shown my work at a few local galleries, and am affiliated with a few local art groups including Mosaic Arts, and S.A.G.E.

wi

USA