Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Horton.
Hi Kris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I never really shared my work, but my sketchbook was always by my side. During downtime between calls at the fire station, I would “doodle” to pass the time. My passion for art truly took off the day I saw a motorcycle with a stunning airbrushed design. Curious about how it was created, I bought an airbrush of my own, and that’s where my art journey really began.
Mostly self-taught, I’ve continued to explore and learn new techniques and mediums, taking a few workshops and even completing a short art internship along the way. These days, I enjoy combining different mediums to achieve the specific look I’m after — photorealistic art with my own unique twist.
As both an artist and a Firefighter/Paramedic with the San Antonio Fire Department, I draw inspiration from the diverse human experiences I encounter in the line of duty, as well as from the beauty and wonder of nature. My perspective allows me to infuse my work with compassion, empathy, and hope; inviting viewers to pause and take in the colors, textures, and stories within each piece.
My art has been featured in several magazines and even appeared on an episode of the TV show “Bar Rescue”. I’ve taught art classes and had the privilege of collaborating and learning from some truly talented artists.
As a proud native Texan, I am now really focused on South Texas Art – including native flowers (although I love to paint all types of flowers), animals, and landscapes, along with pet portraits and some unique firefighter art.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an artist is never a smooth road. Your work isn’t going to appeal to everyone, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that you can’t create for approval; you have to create from the heart. For me, one of the biggest challenges has been learning how to market my art and get it out there for people to see. Creating comes naturally, but promoting yourself is a whole different world.
In the beginning, I had no idea where to start. Putting my work out there for the world to see felt vulnerable. I had to learn how to photograph my art, share it online, talk about it with confidence, and trust that it would find the right audience.
Balancing my art with my job as a firefighter and paramedic can be tough, too. There are long shifts, unpredictable days, and some heavy moments. But that’s also what fuels my creativity. Art gives me a place to slow down, reflect, and find some peace in all the chaos.
It’s definitely been a learning curve, but every challenge has pushed me to grow — not just as an artist, but as a person. I’ve learned to be patient with myself, keep showing up, and trust that the right people will connect with what I create.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in realistic and detailed artwork, often blending different mediums to get the exact look and feel I want. I’m best known for my pet portraits, flowers, and my South Texas-inspired pieces — a mix of animals, flowers, and landscapes that reflect the beauty of where I’m from. I love capturing the small details that make something feel real, whether it’s the shine in a dog’s eyes or the texture of a weathered barn.
I think what sets my work apart is the emotion behind it. Every piece I create has a story or connection behind it — whether it’s a beloved pet, a firefighter tribute, or a quiet Texas moment that caught my eye. My background as a firefighter and paramedic has given me a deep appreciation for people’s stories and the fleeting moments that matter most. That perspective shows up in my art — I try to capture not just what something looks like, but what it feels like.
One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing how my work touches people. When someone tears up seeing their pet’s portrait or tells me a piece brings back a special memory or reminds them of home, that means everything to me. Those reactions remind me why I do what I do.
How do you think about happiness?
Oh geeze… that’s a broad question! There are so many things that make me happy — spending time with the people I love, making someone smile, watching a beautiful sunset, easing someone’s burden, or just enjoying the unconditional love of a sweet pet.
I’ve always believed that God, family, good friends, and laughter — with a little paint in between — are what life is all about. In a world where kindness can sometimes feel in short supply, I try to live it daily, both in my art and in how I treat others. I truly believe that genuine kindness has the power to transform, and if my art or actions can bring even a small bit of that light into someone’s day, then I’m happy.
Pricing:
- My original art is $5/sq inch
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.krisartworks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisartworks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krissartworks
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/artbykrishorton
