Kristine Moran Explores Utopian Ideals Through Abstract Landscapes

Photo: Kristine Moran in her studio, surrounded by her vibrant abstract landscapes exploring utopian themes.

The Artistic Journey of Kristine Moran

Kristine Moran’s masterful artistry transforms personal narratives into universal themes, captivating audiences with her bold, visionary abstract compositions.

Kristine Moran’s work offers a striking blend of poetic introspection and bold innovation, establishing her as one of today’s most compelling voices in contemporary abstract painting. Across a career spanning over two decades, Moran has demonstrated a unique ability to translate personal experiences into universal narratives, crafting compositions that are as deeply felt as they are visually brilliant. Her paintings, whether Baroque-inspired or grounded in hard-edged abstraction, radiate an extraordinary energy that draws viewers into spaces both familiar and fantastical—realms where past and present, memory and imagination, converge in layers of color and gesture.

There is a courageous pursuit in Moran’s artistry—a commitment to navigating life’s profound questions through an ever-evolving dialogue with form, texture, and hue. Her ongoing exploration of utopian ideals and aspirational spaces is not just a thematic thread within her work; it is the foundation of her creative ethos. From her inventive process of “drawing while walking” to her dynamic exploration of abstraction and representation, Moran’s ability to reimagine landscapes—both physical and emotional—speaks to her visionary perspective and deep engagement with the human condition. She invites us to reflect on the spaces we inhabit, the ideals we aspire to, and the tension between longing and reality.

In this issue of WOWwART, we are proud to present an intimate interview with Kristine Moran, a true innovator whose work challenges and inspires us to reimagine both the world around us and the possibilities of painting itself. Through her thoughtful responses, Moran offers insight into her creative process, the evolution of her style, and her persistent quest for transformation. Allow yourself to be transported into her world, where beauty, imperfection, and possibility come together in an exquisite dance.

What inspires the themes and subjects in your artwork?

My work is shaped by a lifelong search for utopian spaces—places that reflect aspirations for something better, yet remain elusive. This search has influenced both my art and my life, carrying me from city to countryside, across the U.S., to France, and back to Canada. I’m drawn to spaces like botanical gardens and parks, not just for their beauty but for the emotional and psychological landscapes they evoke. At the heart of my work is the tension between longing for the ideal and the impossibility of achieving it.

“My work is shaped by a lifelong search for utopian spaces.”– Kristine Moran

Can you describe your creative process from concept to completion?

My process begins with visiting spaces that embody aspirational ideals and engaging in what I call “drawing while walking.” This involves capturing abstract forms and shapes from gardens or landscapes while moving through them. These sketches act as a foundation for oils on paper, where I push the imagery toward abstraction through color and composition. I then scale up the most successful pieces to canvas, layering color, texture, and form to transform the work into something both familiar and otherworldly, reflecting the pursuit of utopian ideals.

How has your style evolved over the years, and what influenced those changes?

The evolution of my style is closely tied to personal shifts in my life. Between 2010 and 2016, my gestural, Baroque-inspired paintings reflected the intensity of that period, including the birth of my children and the loss of my mother. In 2017, I sold most of my belongings and spent a year traveling across the U.S. in an RV. That experience allowed me to break away from previous approaches and experiment with new subjects, techniques, and materials. Since then, my work has continued to evolve, shaped by my ongoing exploration of mortality, longing, and the search for utopian spaces.

Are there any specific artists or movements that have significantly impacted your work?

My practice draws on an eclectic range of influences, from Baroque and Impressionism to Modernism, Hard-edge abstraction, and Pop Art. I’m inspired by artists who embrace stylistic versatility, like Amy Sillman, Joe Bradley, Laura Owens, and Chris Martin. My recent work combines these influences into a painterly vocabulary that reflects both internal reflection and my response to the world around me. It’s an exploration of physical and emotional landscapes through an ever-expanding dialogue with art history.

What role does color and texture play in your compositions?

Color and texture are central to my work, evoking emotion and creating a sense of movement and transformation. I use bold, layered colors to explore the tension between beauty and imperfection, often creating interruptions or moments of awkwardness within the composition. Texture, achieved through varied brushwork, adds depth and complexity, keeping the work dynamic and slightly unsettled. These elements help bridge abstraction and representation, creating spaces that feel both welcoming and intentionally incomplete.

How do you approach the balance between abstraction and representation in your art?

“Drawing while walking” is key to this balance. The process of sketching while moving through space creates a natural distortion—lines, forms, and perspectives are captured from multiple vantage points almost simultaneously. This allows me to start with a reality-based framework and then deconstruct it into something new. The resulting paintings hover between familiarity and ambiguity, leaving room for the viewer’s imagination to explore these reconfigured landscapes.

Can you share a memorable experience or story behind one of your pieces?

The painting, Ladies’ Paradise (2024), was inspired by a drawing I created while walking with close friends past Weaver’s Falls, a place we often visit together. The painting’s title references Emile Zola’s novel, which captures themes of resilience and transformation that feel relevant today. I usually don’t remember where my drawings originate because they become so abstract in my sketchbook, but this one stood out for its specificity. The painting captures the transient beauty of that moment while reimagining it into something entirely new.

What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their voice?

Focus on what drives you and let curiosity guide your work. Take time to explore ideas that resonate deeply, and don’t be afraid to experiment or allow your work to evolve. Your voice isn’t found in a single breakthrough but in consistently showing up to create, reflect, and refine. Stay true to what excites and challenges you—authenticity will define your practice. Ultimately, each piece is part of a larger exploration, always evolving with the shifts in your life.

Bromeliad Landing (2023)

Kristine Moran’s Bromeliad Landing (2023) is a mesmerizing abstract exploration of nature and movement. The vibrant composition combines bold red-pink hues, fluid blues, and earthy greens, evoking a surreal landscape. Central to the work is a dynamic flower-like form surrounded by organic and geometric shapes, layered with textured brushstrokes that suggest rhythm and vitality. The interplay of contrasting colors and curvilinear strokes creates a sense of energy and flow, blending harmony and spontaneity. This piece invites viewers into a dreamlike, uplifting world shaped by movement and natural inspiration.