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"I have two goals for each finished piece;
That it draws a viewer in from across the room,
and then keeps them there.

I have only one goal for the process;
That I engage completely, with courage and curiosity."

 

About

Studio News

Best of Show

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I'm thrilled that "Heiress" won the top award at the prestigious Colorado Governor's Show!

I am so grateful to be recognized by the judges amidst an incredible group of paintings. Colorado has a wealth of talent in the arts and I am so happy to be part of this community of kind, committed artists.

I had such a great time chatting with the folks at channel 2 news in Denver about the Governor's Show.

Here's the clip!

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I attended the Art of the Portrait conference in Washington DC where I received a Certificate of Excellence at the Awards Gala for "Angels and Demons".

It was a wonderful event!

Out of over 3000 entries from all over the world 19 finalists were chosen, and 29 Certificates of Excellence.

Fun little write up online by Fine Art Connoisseur about the Governor's Show.

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Crystal DeSpain

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Recent SHOWS AND AWARDS


Best in Show

Colorado Governor’s Show 2025
 

Certificate of Excellence - Portrait Society of America, The International 2025​​

5th Place-  Portrait Society of America, Member's Only Show 2024

 

Finalist- Art Renewal Center Salon 2024

 

Award of Merit - Colorado Governor's Show 2024

 

Certificate of Excellence - Portrait Society of America, The International 2024

4th Place - Portrait Society of America, Members Only Show 2023

Honorable Mention - Oil Painters of America, Fall Show 2023

National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society (NOAPS) - International Members only Online Exhibition 2023

American Impressionist Society - All Member Online Exhibition 2023

Award of Excellence - Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition 2023

   

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Workshop

June 13-15, 2025

The Power of Digital Composition + Painting the Child Portrait

​Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio

Whidbey Island, WA

Instructional & TimeLapse Videos

Oil PAINTING Basics
08:31
"Desert Song" A Paint Story
05:07
How to Paint Loosely
09:48
"The Hunt" Painting Timelapse
07:17
"At Day's End" Timelapse Oil Painting
04:24
How to read a tube of oil paint
02:52
Oil Painting Timelapse & Painting Reveal
04:39
The Digital process that REVOLUTIONIZED my work.
04:31
How to CHOOSE A BETTER REFERENCE Photo
04:18

SOCIAL

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TESTIMONIALS

“ She captures ordinary scenes and moments—a beautiful woman or a simple ocean wave—and makes them extraordinary with her artists eye. Her paintings to me portray a place somewhere between dreams and reality. It’s hard to take your eyes off of the masterful details that make you look, and look again more deeply. I felt a connection with her artwork from the first moment I saw it and became an instant fan. Now I’m a proud owner of two of her paintings! 

 

—  HEIDI

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