THE ARTISTIC JOURNEY OF CHRIS BLOOM

By Sara Beck

For Chris Bloom, painting is more than just a creative pursuit—it’s a deeply personal language, one spoken in color, texture, and form. With every brushstroke, she invites viewers into a world shaped by curiosity, optimism, and a relentless dedication to craft. Though once a high school writing teacher, Bloom found her true voice not in words, but in the rich, expressive world of oil painting.

Self-taught and fueled by a passion for beauty, both natural and man-made, she now shares her perspective through works that are as technically refined as they are emotionally resonant. Whether in her studio or painting en plein air on the streets of Paris, Bloom’s art is a celebration of connection—between artist and viewer, place and memory, moment and meaning.

Chris Bloom hopes that when people see her art, they recognize the effort and technique that goes into each painting. “I want them to understand my visual language and be moved by the colors, the composition, the brushstrokes that are my own way of communicating with the world,” she emphasizes. Bloom values interactions with viewers and buyers. For her, the primary goal as a painter is to share her creations with the world.

“Does it spark memories? How does it make them feel?” she often asks, intrigued by how others perceive her work. Bloom believes her paintings convey a sense of peace, joy, and optimism about the world we inhabit.

Before pursuing painting, Bloom was teaching writing to high school students. “I did not feel that writing was how I wanted to express myself in the world,” she recalls. “I wanted to explore the visual world and express what I saw and felt through painting.” Although she had no formal art training, Bloom visited numerous museums, finding inspiration in the great paintings that spoke to her deeply.

Following her newfound passion, she began taking classes at Cape Fear Community College. “A few days into oil painting, and I was hooked,” she reminisces. In addition to oil painting, she took drawing and design classes, acknowledging that skill as an oil painter is a lifelong pursuit. Over the years, she has had the privilege of studying with recognized artists such as James Richards, Dan Beck, Joanne Geisel, John Poon, Christine Lashley, Duane Keiser, and Kelli Folsom, among others.

“I love being an oil painter,” Bloom shares. “The paint itself, its buttery consistency, the vibrant colors—there's so much to explore.” She enjoys experimenting with brushes, palette knives, and various surfaces, from panels to canvases. Both realistic and impressionistic painting appeal to her, whether in her studio or out in the world.

Plein air paint-outs are one of her favorite ways to immerse herself in a subject—the light, the noise, and the smell of nature enrich her artistic experience. “I think it makes me a better painter to be in nature,” she explains, highlighting how these outdoor experiences, whether in a garden, by the sea, or on the streets of Paris, enhance her creativity.

For Bloom, conversing with passers-by also adds depth to the plein air experience. “It’s a wonderful way to share my work,” she remarks. Painting while traveling is yet another of her passions. She cherishes bringing home artwork from her journeys. Along with her husband, she has collected numerous pieces from Europe and Asia.

As she looks ahead, Bloom hopes to travel, learn, and experiment with her art in new ways. While remaining true to the subjects she knows and loves, she aims to expand her creative horizons.

Chris Bloom is currently showcasing her work with Fine Art Local, a gallery located in downtown Wilmington. To see more of her incredible art, visit fineartlocal.com and chrisbloomfineart.com.