Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Knize.
Christine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Christine Knize, alumna of Tyler School of Art, BFA and Rhode Island School of Design, MFA, born in NYC, inherited her artistic talent from two generations of women artists. Her academic journey led her to spend three years in Italy and France, immersed in the study of the Renaissance.
Throughout her career, Christine maintained a dual focus on painting and photography, honing her craft and passion. Upon completing her education, she made her mark in Manhattan, residing in a Tribeca loft while contributing to various art-related businesses. In 1986, Christine ventured to Miami, where she established three successful enterprises specializing in paint decoration, luxury home construction, and real estate.
Her paint decoration business drew the attention of numerous celebrities. Notably, Christine dedicated years to the restoration of the Biltmore Hotel, where she meticulously revived the hand-painted finishes adorning the lobby and ballrooms. She also played a role in the initial renovations of Miami Beach Art Deco Hotels, contributing to the preservation of historical landmarks alongside Leonard Horowitz co-founder of the Miami Design Preservation League.
After three decades in Miami, Christine embraced a new chapter in Jacksonville, Florida, where she channels her artistic energy into creating large-scale canvases. Presently, she is engrossed in a captivating series of giant orchid portraits.
Following is another story:
Last year at the age of 70 I decided to show my work. I never had time to paint in my working years as I was busy running 3 businesses in Miami. In the past year and a half I have been invited to 20 shows; solo, group and online. I purchased a large van, big enough to transport 6 foot paintings and I drive around the country delivering my canvases to exhibitions. I guess I will do it until I can’t.
I come from a line of women artists. My grandmother was a jewelry designer. She worked for Harry Winston in NYC. My mother was a painter and photographer and was my biggest inspiration. She also was an orchid enthusiast and had a greenhouse in Connecticut for her collection. This was where I was first introduced to this incredible flower. My grandfather was an art collector in Vienna, Austria in the 30’s and amassed an amazing body of ethnological sculptures and Austrian Expressionistic paintings. So one could say I grew up in an art filled enviroment.
I graduated from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia with a BFA and Rhode Island School of Design with an MFA. I spent 3 years in Italy and France studying the Renaissance and exploring Europe. The old master’s style of painting greatly impressed me. I moved to New York City after graduation and lived in a loft in Tribeca for a few years until I moved to Miami in 1986. There I got into the construction business , real estate and decoration. Besides renovating and building for others my husband and I built amazing properties for ourselves that I landscaped with ponds with waterfalls, gorgeous palms and subtropical plants. I filled the trees with orchids. Miami was truly a tropical paradise. My painting decoration business serviced many celebrities and I was at the top of my game at that time.
After 30 years, I retired and moved to Jacksonville, Fl where I currently reside. My husband and I developed a property on the St. John’s River and I finally was able to build my dream studio. I started to paint and accumulate a body of work. I now have over 52 paintings. So why the infatuation with orchids? They are beautiful, sensual, feminine and the unrivaled queen of flowers. I paint them frontally, to capture all the incredible patterns and vibrant color. I make them very large to not to miss any detail. I work mostly with oil paint, applying multiple layers of translucent glazes, all of this by hand. I work on a few paintings at once to allow the glazes to dry properly between applications. This produces the depth and luminosity that oil paints are known for.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My life partner/ husband passed away after a 28 year relationship in 2020.
I have since remarried.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have forever been captivated by orchids, the jewel-like flowers with vibrant colors and striking patterns. Each orchid possesses a unique personality compelling me to capture it on canvas. I approach these flowers as portraits, often working on large-scale surfaces to honor their beauty and complexity. My technique draws inspiration from the European masters, using oil paint, brushes and multiple layers of translucent glazes, without relying on other mediums or tools. This meticulous process results in realistic works, some taking months to complete. I often work on a few paintings simultaneously, allowing each layer to dry properly between applications, giving depth and luminosity in the finished piece. For me, the joy of painting lies not only in the act of creation but in the emotional connections my work fosters.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I don’t really have a mentor however I love many other artists, like Gorky, De kooning, especially his women paintings, Richard Diebenkorn his Ocean park series, Paul Klee. Surprisingly, these are abstract painters.
Pricing:
- $5000-$25000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BestOrchidPaintings.com
- Instagram: @orchidpainterartist
