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Kristopher Everett Krava (b. 1976) is a self-taught emerging figurative oil painter based in Atlanta, GA.

For nearly 30 years, Kris has cultivated a career in marketing and advertising, designing digital experiences that have reached millions of people around the world. While client services has been rewarding, he has always been passionate about creating art as a form of personal self-expression. Throughout his life, he has explored a variety of mediums and subjects, but in 2021, his focus turned to oils—a medium that had once intimidated him. He has since developed an obsession with its unique textures and depth of hues.

In 2023, a life-threatening cancer diagnosis and treatment experience became a catalyst for change. Kris leaned heavily into painting, averaging 3-4 new pieces per month. Painting whenever he wasn’t recovering from surgery or sick from chemotherapy, he dedicated himself to collaborating with live models to create and capture meaningful, intimate moments in time. These shared experiences have become the heart of his artistic exploration, celebrating diversity, vulnerability, and the richness of our shared humanity.

Kris began showing his work publicly in late 2023, with more exhibitions following in 2024. His work has been featured at events like the Piedmont Park Art Festival and multiple exhibitions with the Portrait Society of Atlanta. January 2025 will mark a significant milestone with his first group exhibition, a testament to his commitment to getting his work on walls and engaging with audiences. Sharing his art has become a source of joy, offering new opportunities to connect with others, learn, and grow.

With his cancer in remission, Kris embraces life with deep gratitude, finding inspiration in every moment, big or small. This perspective fuels his dedication to creating art that fosters connection, elevates underrepresented bodies, and reveals the strength found in vulnerability. Whether through exhibitions, public speaking, or collaborations, he continues to share his journey, inviting viewers to reflect and connect through his work.