van dusen fine art

featuring oil paintings by kristin van dusen

about the Artist

"One art leads to another art.  The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know, but that's okay.  I've got a life time to study."

Kristin Van Dusen was born in LaGrande, Oregon, and spent most of her childhood in Michigan before moving with her family to the Arizona desert.  She has spent much of her life in the arts, beginning with the study of ballet and figure skating at the age of five.  However, being the daughter and granddaughter of painters, Kristin was holding a paintbrush from a very early age, painting side by side with her grandma and a few years later, with her father, Peter Van Dusen - who she considers to be her finest teacher.

Van Dusen attended Ottawa University and obtained a bachelor's degree in Education.  In 2000, she began studying at the Scottsdale Artist School taking workshops from art professionals such as Kevin Macpherson, Ted Goerschner, Phil Beck, Bob Lemler, and Robert "Shoofly" Shufelt.  She further immersed herself in the art world, modeling for respected artists such as Harley Brown, Everett Raymond Kinstler, Roberta Carter Clark, and Bruno Lucchesi, to name just a few.  The time spent posing in their studios gave her rich insight to various art techniques and appreciation for different mediums.  She kept a journal and made notes at every rest break.  Van Dusen believes that a good education comes from diverse experiences and different perspectives.


Kristin has traveled extensively throughout the British Isles, Europe, Northern Africa, China, and explored the beauty of the states, including Alaska.  These trips are often reflected in her work and have been rich inspiration.

The Artist's Philosophy

2025

​       Private exhibition
       Commissioned artwork available


2018

       Artist in Residence, Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows, Scottsdale, AZ 


​2006 - 2015  

     Instructional Painting Classes, Sonoran Sky Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ

​

​* Beginning Painting​:  Students will learn various brush techniques, how to set up their palette, explore color charts, value, shapes and form.


* Intermediate Painting:  Students will continue to hone their fundamental skills by exploring various color schemes, value, light and shadow, elements for a strong composition, and "how to apply the finishing touches" to their painting.  


* Painting Plus:  Open a world of painting opportunities by exploring a wide variety of mediums on varied surfaces.  Paint with oils, acrylics, oil pastels, watercolors, and ceramic glazes on a wide variety of surfaces.  Material costs will be included. 


* Observing Nature Through Art​:  Students will have the opportunity to explore the wonderful wealth of art through observations from nature.  Textures, colors, vegetation and wildlife, color changes, etc. will be discussed and explored while producing some lovely artwork.  Students will gain an appreciation for nature and better understand the impact it has in our daily life.  Painting, sketching, clay imprints using found objects, are only an example of some of the projects planned in this fun class.  Materials will be provided.


* Scientific Illustration:  Students will focus on the details used in scientific explanations.  Illustrating concepts of physical and biological sciences will help develop understanding of our world around us.  Landforms, geologic structures, animal and plant forms will be exciting while students learn drawing skills.  Materials needed:  2 drawing pencils, small pencil sharpener, a sketch pad, 1 gum eraser, 1 small zip case for pencils, and a box of colored pencils.

​

* Cultural Appreciation Through Art:  Cyber travel with Ms. Van Dusen and enjoy the richness of art from other cultures.  Students will enjoy a variety of art genres while exploring the crafts of other lands.  Colors, textures, and designs reflect cultures and give us an appreciation and understanding of other people.  Materials will be provided.

​


​2015  Facebook Ad Campaign Posters 

           - LivingTop20



2004 - 2010  Resident Artist at Cattle Track, Scottsdale, AZ

​

1999 - 2004  Featured Artist, Long Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ


2002  Bennington Art Show, Bennington, VT

​​



​​

​Acrylic Wall Murals​​


       2004  Biltmore Resort, Phoenix, AZ

       1998  Motorola, Chandler, AZ

       1988  Del Web Hospital, Sun City, AZ

       1988  AT&T, Scottsdale, AZ

​