Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Ross.
Hi Christy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a Dining Room Table to a Creative Life
I’ve always believed that art has the power to bring people together—to create joy, inspire connection, and even help us heal. I never imagined, though, that my own path as an artist and educator would begin with eight law students gathered around my sister’s dining room table.
I’m a Southern California artist, educator, and founder of Christy Ross Art LLC. Based in San Diego, I create whimsical landscapes and seascapes filled with bold, vibrant color—paintings inspired by the freedom, joy, and restorative beauty I find in nature.
My foundation in art began with a B.A. in Design from UCLA, followed by a California Teaching Credential in Art Education from California State University, Los Angeles. I spent years developing my skills as an artist and educator, including teaching art to K–8 students. I also worked as a lead color designer for Legend Films, where I contributed to a Technical Emmy®-nominated production. These experiences taught me not only how to create, but how to communicate creatively and help others discover their own artistic voices.
Then, in March 2022, something unexpected happened.
I held my first adult painting class in my sister’s dining room. There were just eight law students, and I had no idea that this small class would become the beginning of an entirely new chapter in my life.
The class was a hit.
More importantly, I discovered how much I loved teaching adults. I loved watching people who didn’t consider themselves artists pick up a brush, let go of their expectations, and create something they were proud of. My years of teaching children had given me a strong foundation, but teaching adults opened a new door. I began to see that painting could be about much more than making art—it could be about creating an experience and building community.
That little class gave me the confidence to dream bigger.
In 2024, I decided to go all in and founded Christy Ross Art LLC. What began around a dining room table gradually grew into a creative business and a growing presence throughout San Diego.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to create a public mural, paint a utility box, and accept commissioned fine-art projects across San Diego. My work has been displayed at venues and events throughout the region, including the Surfing Madonna art show, Pannikin in Encinitas, the Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Branch Library, Bird Rock Coffee in Little Italy, and Clairemont Coffee among others. I also sell my artwork and art products at local venues including Lemon Grove Coffee, Clairemont Coffee, Vinya: Vino + Vinyasa in Clairemont, Timewise Jewelers, and other San Diego locations. One of my most recent projects has been creating a collection of earrings inspired by three large whimsical and abstract paintings. In collaboration with designer and ultimate crafts(wo)man Tess Holechek, we created three pairs of playfully whimsical and stylish earrings. I posted them on my website www.chrostyross.art and within 24 hours sold my first set of these three earrings!
For the past four years, I’ve also had the privilege of participating as a guest artist in the Clairemont Garden Tour, displaying and selling my work alongside some of the beautiful gardens of the community.
Along the way, I’ve become a member of the Lemon Grove Arts Collective, Clairemont Art Guild, and OUR Arts Foundation. Through my adult paint-and-sip classes, I continue to bring people together through creativity, laughter, and the simple joy of making something with your own hands.
My journey from teaching eight people in my sister’s dining room to building a creative business has reminded me that success doesn’t always begin with a grand plan. Sometimes it begins with saying yes to a small opportunity—and then having the courage to see where it leads.
As both an artist and educator, I’m passionate about creating spaces where people feel free to explore, connect, and express themselves. As a survivor, I know personally that creativity can be a powerful source of joy, connection, and healing.
Today, Christy Ross Art is not simply a business. It is the result of trusting my creativity, taking a leap of faith, and turning something I loved into a life I’m proud to share with others.
And I’m still painting, still teaching, still growing—and still saying yes to what comes next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anyone knows that being a working artist is not an easy road to take. Having art rejected by a show or by a client is hard. Having a design rejected by a venue is hard. Teaching on weekends and evenings can be hard. Hiring employees, paying worker’s comp, payroll and having adequate supplies are not light expenses. All of these things are necessary to run my business. And running my business ultimately brings me happiness and pride. It can also be tough to shatter the stereotypes of artists: “Artists are flaky. Artists aren’t logical. Artists aren’t good with money.” I show up. I follow through with plans and keep surprising people. Sometimes even myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart from others in my career is the unique combination of being a working artist and an experienced art educator. Although my paint-and-sip classes have become an important part of my business, I never want teaching to overshadow the fact that I am an artist myself. In fact, I see my experience as an educator as one of my greatest strengths as an artist.
There is an old stereotype that says, “Those who can’t, teach.” I have always wanted to challenge that idea. I teach because I can create, and because I understand how powerful it can be to help someone else discover that they can create, too.
My years of teaching K–8 students taught me how to communicate art to people with very different skill levels, personalities, and learning styles. That experience has carried into my adult classes, where I can take someone who may have little or no painting experience and give them the confidence to create something they are proud of. My goal isn’t simply to teach people how to follow a painting lesson—it is to help them realize that they are capable of making art.
At the same time, my own artistic practice continues to grow. My vivid color palette, whimsical style, and love of landscapes and seascapes are central to my work. I want my paintings to communicate the same sense of joy, freedom, and inspiration that I hope people experience in my classes. When someone leaves one of my classes feeling excited about what they created, or when someone connects with one of my paintings enough to become a collector, I feel that I have accomplished what I set out to do.
My enthusiasm for art, combined with years of experience teaching people at different levels, allows me to connect with audiences in a way that many artists may not. I don’t see teaching and being a successful artist as opposing paths. For me, they strengthen each other. Teaching keeps me connected to people and reminds me why art matters, while my continued development as an artist gives me more to share with my students.
Ultimately, what sets me apart is that I don’t just create art—I know how to invite other people into the creative experience. I want to challenge the idea that art is only for people who consider themselves “artists” and show people that creativity is something they can claim for themselves. My art and my teaching have the same purpose: to inspire people, create joy, and help them see what is possible when they pick up a brush.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Showing up has been the most impactful thing I do. Following through with my intentions but also knowing when to say “No” have been the keys to my continued success as a working artist. When I say “showing up” I don’t just mean in real life, but in online life as well. My social media posts have led to job after job and the cherry on top. recently, is when a North Park condo complex bought my entire web catalogue (and more) of paintings in print form for their two buildings. My art now hangs in its hallways and lobbies. This happened because of consistently posting/sharing my art online.
Pricing:
- $55.00 Average cost of a pant-and-sip event
- $775.00 The most I’ve sold an orginal painting for.
- $39.00 Christy Ross Art tote bag
- $30.00 per pair of Christy Ross Art earrings
- $125/print 16 x 20 inches
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christyross.art
- Instagram: christyrossart
- Facebook: Christy Ross Art
Image Credits
Emily Trejo
Maribel Diaz
Greg Bolian
Jack Feehan
Tess Holechek
