Artist and Art Historian Kristin Ashley presents a variety of entertaining and engaging art appreciation presentations, including lectures on all genres and eras of art history. Kristin is a highly dynamic and entertaining speaker and presents acclaimed programs to libraries, senior centers, art guilds and special interest groups throughout Chicago, the North Shore and the northwest suburban area.
Programs listed are available anytime. I can also tailor-make a program for any season, holiday or special event. Ask about a special price for a package of four presentations.
Join us for a celebration of great paintings to be thankful for with some familiar and beloved paintings. Share the richness of the Renaissance artists, the mystique of Van Gogh, the ravishing creations of Monet and more.
Relish the highly romantic expressions of the nineteenth-century British Pre-Raphaelites with their beautiful interpretations of medieval stories, ancient myths and literary legends brought to life.
Although Van Gogh is best known for his sunflowers and starry nights, he also painted woodland scenes and blooming orchards. Delight in a colorful presentation of familiar pieces as well as some little-known nature works in the anniversary year of Vincent’s 170th birthday.
Look at nature with new eyes as we explore the colorful world of Georgia O’Keefe. Enjoy her beautiful interpretations of closely-cropped flowers and her arid desert scenes of New Mexico. There’s beauty to be found in the small things!
View the luminous and colorful world of Monet and the Impressionists! Learn the story of these revolutionary painters in 19th-century France and embrace the color and splendor of Monet’s water lilies, Degas’s ballerinas and Renoir’s cafe scenes.
Explore modernist art with one of the 20th century’s most beloved artists. From the ghostly floating figures and Slavic symbols of his childhood to the cafes and opera life of Paris to his daring escape to America at the height of the Nazi occupation, Chagall’s paintings and stained glass creations brought light and color to a changing world.
Delve into the celestial realms of angels in art! Whether mystical, whimsical or majestic, angels appear in art around the world. Artists from Leonardo da Vinci to Marc Chagall all tried their hand at capturing the form and spirit of these heavenly messengers.
Take a journey back in time to Renaissance Italy and discover the historical changes and new ideas that led to masterpiecs of art and architecture created by Renaissance geniuses like Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli.
Explore the dream-like qualities of late 19th-century Symbolist art that was the precursor of the Surrealists, who explored their artistic visions from the 1920s through WWII. Learn about the symbols and images of the subconscious minds of artists like Paul Gaugin, Gustave Moreau, Odilon Redon, Rene Magritte, Savadore Dali, Max Ernst and Frieda Kahlo.
Journey into the mystique and magic of timeless art as Kristin reveals the secrets of the masters including William Blake, Caspar David Friedrich, Odilon Redon and Jamie Wyeth. Perfect for October!
Kristin presents a cornucopia of American artists to celebrate the pioneering spirit of America. From early American artists Gilbert Stuart and Frederic Church to contemporary artists Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol, American artists have blazed a trail of unique art. Perfect for July!
From the Dutch artists painting exotic parrots in the seventeenth century to the North American birds of John James Audubon, birds have piqued the imagination of many artists. Even Vincent Van Gogh and Marc Chagall painted birds! Join Kristin as she explores the fascinating world of birds in art.
Kristin Ashley loves sharing art with others. Her motto is, “Art Makes Life Beautiful.” A multi-gifted artist, writer, photographer and graphic designer, Kristin holds a BFA in Studio Arts, graduating with honors. Her work is deeply expressive and highly original. She has a keen interest in nature and symbolism. As Kristin has often said, “Symbols make us feel many emotions. They can broaden our perspective and take us to realms beyond words.” She is a highly dynamic and entertaining speaker and presents acclaimed programs to libraries, senior centers, art guilds and special interest groups.