Come meet this art teacher-turned-full-time artist from 4-8 p.m. as he turns a canvas into a colorful floral painting.

“I often work with nature’s flowers, plantings, and both private and public gardens,” says Critt. “With all my paintings, I work from a photograph. Since I am right-handed, I begin with a thin wash to the left side of the canvas, building layer upon layer.”

He seeks to share the beautiful or interesting things he notices in everyday moments close to home or when visiting other locations, often featuring historical architectural elements in his paintings. “Why not slow down, pause, and analyze the sharpness of horizontals and verticals with the contrast of the organic curving lines,“ asks Critt.

He brings an element of abstraction into his work by focusing on the patterns, rhythms, and colors he finds in his subject matter. His layered complementary color schemes combined with unexpected hues create a gentle energy and stillness.

Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery is located just north of Main Street at 22 N. Rangeline Road in the Carmel Arts & Design District.