Kristi Nordbye

My love for art started at an early age. Mom used to tell the story of when I was 4 or 5 years old, and she would realize she hadn’t seen me for several hours anywhere in the house. She would walk back to my room and find me coloring or painting with no regard for time or anyone else in the household. And so it began.

I was raised in Thermopolis , Wyoming. I was one of 4 children, 3 girls and one boy. My father was a sketch artist and an eye for detail in his work. My mother was an avid gardener and from her flowers I learned not only my second love, but also subject matter for watercolor.

Once I graduated from high school I attended college at BHSU. There I minored in art. As life moved on , I married and had 3 boys, all grown now. Those days were spent at sporting events where I met my mentor and friend, Linda Swan who asked me to join in a watercolor class weekly and I fell in love with it. That was 25 years ago. I retired last year and am now enjoying both loves, painting and gardening full time. I am an avid photographer and paint from my photos. The light is what draws me into the subject matter – the most important element in any composition for me. I love vivid colors and have an eye for detail. I have lived in Rapid City for over 30 years and love it here. I live with my partner Keith and son AJ. Just keep painting, just keep painting, just keep painting…