It was a pretty spring Saturday in Houston this weekend so we took a little trip to the Bayou City Art Festival. The outdoor gallery was brimming with talent from 300+ artists working with 19 different forms of media. Several of these artists are well-known but I like to think that we got a sneak peek from mostly up-and-coming artists.

We spent 4-5 hours at the festival completely overwhelmed by talent but only a few artists made my jaw drop. Lisa Kristine’s work was evocative, exquisite, and inspiring. Her photography documents 20 years of traveling through 55 countries and it almost feels like you were there with her every moment. Lisa Kristine captures her subject in the most intimate way, with each image telling a story — one of hardship but full of beauty. Her photos open up a whole new world and I overheard her saying that she would stay in the same spot for 3-4 days waiting for that perfect moment to photograph. Take some time to browse her online gallery (prints available for purchase) of stunning photographs.

Kristian Rangel was another artist that amazed me. His work is mainly comprised of scratchboard, which is a claycovered hardboard panel coated with black India ink. Then each composition is scratched out with a fine metal point and color is added with watercolors. Kristian said that each piece can take months and even years to finish. When he is not in his studio, Kristian spends his time as a graphic designer. Hopefully one day he’ll add his scratchboard art to his portfolio.

And one more artist grabbed my attention — Ray Phillips. His mixed media pieces have so much impact, which is the result of the “enough is never enough” approach he takes to his art. Ray says, “each piece is like a series of small battles - something to overcome in an ongoing effort to please myself. The creative process is sometimes very exhausting, unlike the interpretation some have that it’s always therapeutic with ideas just flying onto the canvas. I often feel completely spent after finishing a piece.” Check out his online gallery — you’ll keeping wanting more.

Thanks to the Art Colony Association for showcasing the talent of these wonderful artists. I’ll definitely go back next year.

Image credits: Lisa Kristine’s, Kristian Rangel, & Ray Phillips.