About The Artist
KRYSTIN MCPHAIL
Born & Raised in Nature
Growing up in the beauty of Sampson County, North Carolina, I've always been drawn to the vibrant textures and colors of the world around me. Raised close to the coast, my summers were spent in Sneads Ferry, where the sandy banks, the scent of salt air, and the colors of sunrise over the fields became part of who I am. Art has always been in my heart, even if my journey to becoming an artist wasn’t straightforward. I entered college as a business major, with a quiet but steady pull toward design and textiles. Then, by chance, I took an art class and fell in love, finding myself completely immersed in creativity.
A Journey Guided by Faith and Creativity
This passion led me to earn my Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Barton College, and for 13 years, I had the privilege of teaching high school art. Teaching was a calling I felt deeply. God first guided me toward it during a community service event with my softball team, and He has continued to lead me on this creative journey ever since. When the pandemic struck, I suddenly had more time, and I found myself painting again—only this time, it felt different. I prayed often, asking, "Where do you want me, God? How can you use me?" and, in His timing, He answered.
This past summer, while my boys were on a fishing trip, I painted a mural in my bathroom and shared it online with the simple caption, “I did a thing.” I was amazed when the response poured in, with people reaching out, wanting me to paint for them. And once more, I felt God’s call, this time saying, “You’re going to go paint now.” Trusting in that direction, I left my teaching position to pursue my art full-time.
Bringing Moments to Life Through Art
For me, art isn’t just about what we see—it’s about what we feel, hear, and even smell. When I paint, my mission is to bring others into the moments that move me. I want my viewers to feel the cool morning dew clinging to a leaf, smell the damp earth after a summer storm, and hear the stillness of dawn breaking over a quiet field. Each brushstroke is meant to transport them to the very places and moments I cherish, letting them experience nature’s beauty as vividly as I do.
One of my guiding inspirations has always been Erma Bombeck’s quote, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say I used everything you gave me.” I trust God’s plans, and every brushstroke I make is both an act of faith and an offering, using the talents He has given me to share the beauty of the world as I see it.
