Kris Toohey
Inspired by the salt marshes of the Connecticut coast, Kris Davenport Toohey enjoys exploring the interplay of color and layers of light to create an emotional undercurrent in each oil painting. While Kris’s starting point is always nature, the final marshscape is a combination of the artistic process and her imagination. As the landscape unfolds, Kris builds veils of light, fluid reflections and misty depths by softly layering and blending both opaque colors and translucent glazes - often using tools such as rags, oversized brushes and her hands. In each piece, Kris strives to create a tangible mood and a sense of atmosphere.
Kris discovered her love of painting and art history as a student, graduating with a BA in Art from Williams College and an MBA from Columbia University. Then, while pursuing a career in brand marketing, Kris furthered her art studies at the Parsons School of Design, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Art Students League of New York.
Kris lives in Westport, CT with her husband and three children. She works in her art studio located in the historic NEST Arts Factory in Bridgeport, CT. Her work has been exhibited in numerous juried exhibits and galleries, as well as in design stores such as Pottery Barn, Design Within Reach, The Artful Mix and Olley Court. In addition, she is an Exhibiting Member of The Rowayton Arts Center (winning 2020 Best in Show and 2018 1st Place Oils in the Marine & Coastal Show), as well as an active member of the Artists Collective of Westport, Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Carriage Barn Arts Center, and Greenwich Arts Council.
Kris discovered her love of painting and art history as a student, graduating with a BA in Art from Williams College and an MBA from Columbia University. Then, while pursuing a career in brand marketing, Kris furthered her art studies at the Parsons School of Design, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Art Students League of New York.
Kris lives in Westport, CT with her husband and three children. She works in her art studio located in the historic NEST Arts Factory in Bridgeport, CT. Her work has been exhibited in numerous juried exhibits and galleries, as well as in design stores such as Pottery Barn, Design Within Reach, The Artful Mix and Olley Court. In addition, she is an Exhibiting Member of The Rowayton Arts Center (winning 2020 Best in Show and 2018 1st Place Oils in the Marine & Coastal Show), as well as an active member of the Artists Collective of Westport, Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Carriage Barn Arts Center, and Greenwich Arts Council.