Rising Stars: Meet Christine Hyde

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Hyde. 

Hi Christine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in New England I was introduced to scrimshaw scrollwork and engravings are done on bone or ivory. I was fascinated with the detail of these small masterpieces. Being gifted with a pen and ink set I looked for flat rocks or shells on which I drew out sailing ships or roses. Drawing came easy to me, a natural talent.

Throughout my school curriculum, I took classes on drawing and sculpture. Michelangelo has always been a favorite artist of mine. His influence lead me to discover the art of medical illustration, this was before computer-generated graphics. As I grew up and went to college, my studies became more focused on health, anatomy physiology, and biology. My life path led me to become a bodybuilder with strict discipline, vision, and competitive motivation. I became an Emergency Medical Technician, Chiropractic Assistant, and eventually a Massage Therapist.

Eighteen years ago I moved to Asheville and created a thriving Massage Therapy practice. A few years ago I decided to retire from my private practice helping people physically and pursue my passion for artistic expression. My drawing abilities were still very keen, but I wanted to learn the technique of Oil painting. Taking a few lessons and gaining an understanding of color mixing and composition, lead me on my way to create beautiful paintings.

Living in the woods and surrounded by wildlife and natural beauty inspired my passion to paint bears, birds, trees, and water. My “studio” is sometimes on the deck overlooking the lake, weather permitting!

Many of my clients wanted pet portraits which in turn led me to discover the beauty of creating people portraits. Powerful Persona Portraits, perhaps you have a superhero you would like to emulate. A mermaid, fairy or gypsy queen, a pirate or knight of the realm, the possibilities are endless with a little imagination!

The perfect pet portrait is when you can see the love in the eyes of the animal. A successful portrait will result in portraying a person’s admirable traits, so they can look into their eyes of the portrait and see the greatness they possess. A mirror of sorts.

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?
This has been a personal growth journey for me, tapping into my talents to help people in a different manner. To help them see the beauty of the creatures and pleasant scenes of nature, or to see the beauty they possess as unique individuals.

I am constantly finetuning my skills, tools, and techniques.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am utilizing my knowledge of physical health and emotional wellness to create this artistic business venture, serving the needs of my clients by creating art that inspires and taps into the emotions.

Besides drawing and oil painting, I am learning to use the mediums of watercolor and acrylic. I am a realistic artist with a fine flair for detail.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Any business venture is a risk. Many questions arise, will my services be good enough, will there be a market for my idea, how can I serve my community by utilizing my talents and doing what I love?

Maybe not taking steps forward with an idea is the worst kind of risk. The risk of not taking action and believing in yourself. The challenge lies in finding a need and being the solution. We all have a talent, the question is how can we serve and support each other.

The bottom line is I am a risk-taker. The excitement and challenge of this concept help mold my self-expression and my flexibility of thought and awareness flow through my business strategies. Listening to the dreams or needs of people helps me to discover new ways of artistic expression.

Pricing:

• My website offers merchandise items ranging from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.
• Prints of my artwork can be produced on fine art paper, metal, wood, canvas, or acrylic
• Commission pet portraits start at $250
• Powerful Persona Portraits start at $850

Contact Info:

• Email: artistchristinehyde@gmail.com
• Website: www.artistchristinehyde.com