Meet Cristina Bowes | Oil Abstract Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristina Bowes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristina, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was younger, I honestly thought I’d end up in New York, camera in hand, chasing the dream of becoming a photographer. But life has a funny way of changing your plans, and thankfully, it led me to meet an incredible man, and we built a life together with three beautiful kids. While my path shifted in ways I hadn’t expected, my creativity never really went away. I would channel it through projects around the house—painting fun designs for our bedrooms, redoing old furniture, and transforming our home into something that felt uniquely ours.

Then, one day, I was introduced to oil painting, and it completely opened my eyes to a whole new way of expressing myself.
It felt like my world expanded, and I found a creative outlet that truly sparked something deep inside me. I never thought I would have a career as an artist, it is still weird to call myself an artist, but here I am, following that passion and seeing where it takes me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create oil abstract expressionism paintings because I believe in the power of art to stir emotions and provoke thought. For me, painting is not just about creating something visually appealing—it’s about inviting the viewer to experience something deeper. I want each piece to speak to the emotions we often can’t put into words, to make you pause and reflect on what you see and how it makes you feel.

My hope is that when you look at my work, you’re not just seeing a painting, but connecting with something personal and visceral, something that makes you stop and think, “What does this mean to me?” It’s about sparking that inner dialogue and allowing emotions to flow freely, much like the paint on the canvas.

For the past 10 years, I’ve been trying to find more instruction specifically in oil abstract painting. Most of the abstract classes I found focused on other mediums, but the oil painting classes I did take taught me a lot about color theory, creating depth, understanding different brushes, and—perhaps most importantly—patience. After spending time exploring other artists and visiting galleries, I knew I had to listen to my gut and embrace what felt right to me and my creative process.

It wasn’t until my friends asked me to do a commission piece for them that I even considered becoming a full-time artist. That moment pushed me to dive in headfirst, and since then, I’ve dedicated every day to building my art career. But it hasn’t been easy. As a stay-at-home mom for so many years, it’s been a huge shift to now spend my time focused on my art rather than my family. And honestly, that’s been the hardest part. I’ve always chosen to be with my family, and now it feels like I’m choosing something else over them.

Thankfully, my family has been my biggest support system, cheering me on and helping me along the way. Without their understanding and encouragement, I’m not sure I would have kept going. It’s taught me that balance is key—between work, fun, and taking time for myself. Finding that balance is something I continue to learn every day, and I’m grateful for the love and support that makes it all possible.

I truly strive to be as authentic as possible with my paintings. Each piece is a personal journey, and I take my time analyzing it—thinking carefully about the color palette, the textures, and the emotions I want to capture. Even the title I give each painting is important to me; I hope it sparks something in you, something that resonates deeply.

My ultimate goal is simple: I want my work to evoke an emotion that might be hard to put into words, but something you can feel. I want you to look at a piece and know it means something to you, even if you can’t always explain why. For me, that connection is what makes art so powerful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d kick things off by getting outside and enjoying the views. I live in Castle Rock, and have some amazing hikes nearby—places like Castlewood Canyon, Dawson Butte, and Indian Creek. They’re all just a short drive away, and perfect for getting some fresh air and stretching our legs.

Next, we’d head to Manitou Springs. It has the same feel as a little mountain town that’s perfect for walking around, checking out some unique shops, and grabbing a bite. It’s not too far, so it’s a nice, relaxing day trip.

Then we’d take a day to explore Denver. We’d hit up Union Station—it’s got so much character and just unique things to see. After that, we could stroll down Larimer Street and check out all the cool spots. And no trip to Denver is complete without visiting the RiNo District—the breweries, the street art, and the food scene are amazing.

We could even take a quick drive to Boulder and walk around Pearl Street, if we have another day to fill. It’s one of my favorite places to people-watch and grab some lunch.

Then, on Friday, we’d head to the Art District on Santa Fe—I mean, I am an artist, right? It’s such a cool area, full of galleries and unique spaces to check out. If we’re there on the First Friday, the whole street comes alive with music, art, and food trucks. It’s a blast.

At night, I’d love to show you some local spots in Castle Rock. We could grab drinks at Provision, which has this awesome speakeasy vibe, or head over to Ecclesia where we can check out the food vendors downstairs and catch some live music at Sinners and Saints upstairs. It’s such a fun place to hang out.

For a low-key night, we could hit up IC Brewhouse on Tuesday or Hideaway on Wednesday for trivia fun. And we can’t forget about brunch! There are so many great places in town like Pegasus, B&B Cafe, and Block and Bottle, or if we’re craving something quick, Dos Santos has really good burritos.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, to my incredible husband, Steven, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your constant encouragement and unwavering support. You’ve believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself, and that means more than words can say.

To my kids, I can’t thank all of you enough for your patience and understanding as I’ve spent time away from you to follow this path. Your love and support mean the world to me.

A heartfelt thank you to Cheryl Allen, who introduced me to the world of oil painting, and to Kay Witherspoon for her guidance that opened a whole new world for me, and I will forever be grateful for the way they both inspired and helped me grow.

A special thank you to Aaron and Emilynn, my very first commission clients. They took a chance on me, and I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity. Ashley and Jordin, their thoughtful feedback has been invaluable, and I’m so thankful for the way they’ve helped me grow as an artist.

And to so many others who have supported me along the way, whether through encouraging words, thoughtful feedback, or simply cheering me on—thank you for being there for me. I feel so fortunate to have such an incredible support system. I couldn’t have done this without any of them!

Website: https://www.cbcreatingbalance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbowesart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081556720557