What does it take to be called an artist? Let’s ask Krystal Kennedy, spouse of MSgt Rorick Kennedy from the 69th Bomber Generation Squadron (previously the 69th Aircraft Maintenance Unit- AMU). Krystal has been proudly called an “Artist” for years thanks to her beautiful, commissioned watercolor art pieces all over the base, the city of Minot, and the US.
It all started back when Krystal was growing up. As a child, she could often be found in her room, sketchbook in hand, drawing her surroundings. She confirmed by chuckling that, “I drew my bedroom a lot…” Even back then, she knew art was her passion. Her artistic passion catapulted in 1999 when she entered and won a white tiger drawing contest from the boy band N’SYNC. She was awarded a stuffed white tiger toy with all the band members’ autographs on the tag. After that win, Krystal was sold on using art to communicate her talent. But it took many years, lots of research and practice later for her to evolve her art into what it is today.
The Kennedy family has been stationed at Minot for five years and they imagine several more years here before retirement. But, it was right as they PCS’d to Minot when Krystal really had the time to develop her artwork and discover her new favorite medium: watercolors. As a busy mom to four kids, Krystal was finally able to hone in on her skills, and devote time to the craft. Since then, she has created an Etsy shop and a website. She also participates in “The Big One Art and Craft Fair” Minot’s bi-yearly arts and craft expo to get exposure for her pieces.
Krystal has created hundreds of watercolor works of art. She explained that her most popular art pieces are those of the B-52. Because this is a local favorite, she also sells cards and stickers of the B-52 prints at her shop. In addition to her Air Force themed work, Krystal also sells and commissions artwork in which customers can request her to paint nearly anything out of watercolor paints.
For commissioned pieces, Krystal is very diligent in giving each work the time it deserves. She said a commissioned piece usually takes about 4 weeks. During that time she receives the concept from the client, gives them a basic sketch of the idea, gets approval, and then starts painting. She mentioned that she also likes to send progress photos to the client so they can see how the watercolor is going. As far as pricing, Krystall confirmed that every piece is different based on size, complexity and other factors, but generally a customized 8×10 watercolor piece will run about $185.
Kystal has cherished every custom art piece she is able to create, but a few specific ones stand out to her. She explained about a piece she designed in 2019 to raise money for her niece, who was diagnosed with a rare disease. Krystal also talked about how the artwork that means something special to her clients are the ones she loves to paint the most. A few years ago, she was asked to paint a portrait for a fallen Airman’s memorial. She explained how that piece will forever be meaningful for her.
Krystal has now developed into a nearly full-time artist and she lives out her dream with her very own home studio. Currently, she is taking new commission clients as well as has her online shop open for print sales. She hopes to one day offer watercolor classes to the base community, but for now she loves life as a full-time mom and full-time artist.
Find Krystal Kennedy’s website: https://krystalkennedyart.com/
