As an abstract painter, Kristi Haines Herman, uses her artwork to execute ideas and two-dimensional environments that create an emotional experience for the viewer. Her paintings are inspired by personal involvements and reactions to them. Phrases and words ruminate in her mind and slowly turn into abstracted figures that convey her inner thoughts. Haines Herman is highly influenced by movement as her artistic expression due to many years in dance. Movement is depicted through various gestural lines, shapes, and texture which allow the audience to venture through the canvas; thus a visual dance from one edge to another on the painting’s surface. Ballet was Haines Herman’s first love in the art world, starting at age five. She learned to use body movement as an outward expression which allowed her to explore various audience reactions. This would later correlate with her artwork. In her late teens, dance and visual art would intertwine with time on stage as well as painting for expression. Gradually, visual art became her primary artistic avenue. Haines Herman attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia, where she majored in studio art under professors Frank Hobbs and Polly Dixon. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin. During her studies at UT, she was encouraged and challenged by many talented art professors, including Michael Mogavero, John Yancey and David Deming. Upon graduation, Haines Herman also acquired a certification in art education for grades Pre-K through 12. She taught visual art in various schools ranging from 80-1100 students while continuing to sell her paintings in her free time. A career transition took her into fashion for many years, along with home interiors. However, visual art expression has always remained within her. After missing time painting, Haines Herman returned to her canvases to continue her career in the visual art world, finding true fulfillment in creating impassioned works of art.