Kristi Warren’s paintings might best be described as abstract realism. She works with oil, watercolor, and gouache, focusing on color and composition in her work. Leaves and flowers are a common subject of her paintings and occasionally she adds insects or other whimsical elements to add interest. After studying drawing and photography at California College of the Arts in Oakland, Kristi moved on to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena where she majored in Illustration and Design. Eventually she found her way to Sacramento State University where she received a BS Degree in Graphic Design. After art in the design world moved from paper to computers, Kristi switched her attention from print and design back to painting.

When speaking of how she works Kristi says, “I like to take my own reference photos whenever possible and I sometimes collage several images together to come up with a design I like. I pencil in my concept before adding paint but sometimes with oils I jump right in with a brush. In most cases I follow my original drawing fairly closely but there are times I will deviate from the image in front of me and go where the painting is taking me. Sometimes this gets me into trouble and other times it's when the magic  happens."

Kristi’s work can be seen in gallery shows around the Sacramento, California region and by appointment.