Hello! I’m Althea Flores. I am a painter and illustrator based in Kansas City. I am process obsessed. I love being present in observational studies, arranging color harmonies, and solving compositional puzzles!
My body of work displays themes of change, acceptance, and a desperate search for the beauty that makes this life sustainable. As illustrated in my graphic novel page, I had a grief-filled upbringing, but drawing gave me the hope that even if circumstances couldn’t evolve, I, my mind and perception, could evolve quick (with practice).This hope became addictive so I never stopped taking on creative challenges.
Looking back on my life through artwork, there is a beauty and narrative beyond my own control or authorship. My body of work, documentations of my physical surroundings, internal landscape, and media chosen by those limitations at the time, shows that life is going to be beautiful no matter what. That is the quiet knowing I have when beginning an observational drawing. It will end up beautiful, mis-steps embraced and included. No marks can be “bad” just informative and cumulative… it will make sense later… in layers of washes, or by carving out a form. In the end it will make sense.
Education:
School of Visual Arts NYC | Master of Fine Art, Visual Narrative | New York, NY
Kansas City Art Institute | Bachelor of Fine Art, Emphasis in Illustration | Kansas City, MO
The Henry W. Bloch School of Management, UMKC | E-Scholars Program | Kansas City, MO
Exhibitions/Publications:
Story Creatures, Gramercy Gallery | 2024
American Illustration-American Photography 40, Chosen Winner, awardee | 2021
A Terrible, Horrible, No Good Year by Six Word Memoir, showcased artist | 2021
Artist and Craftsman, First Fridays Gallery | 2019
Professional Experience
Paper Source | Key Holder
Kansas City Art Institute | PCAL Instructor
City Year Americorps | Student Success Coach
Freelance Designer
Get out of your head.
Get out of your head.
