Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Leipprandt.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After three decades away living in New York, California and North Carolina, I have returned to the familiar embrace of my childhood hometown in Michigan’s Thumb, where memories of warm summer days by the lake still resonate. This homecoming marks not just a physical return, but a profound journey into the second half of my life, a period dedicated to rediscovering and sharing the unique story that has shaped me. It has brought healing to my heart and a fresh appreciation of all the beauty that the Great Lakes offers.
My art is a heartfelt exploration of nostalgia for simpler times, a vivid recollection of happy childhood memories, and the enduring connection with family and friends every summer. Through my paintings of local scenes and the cherished moments spent at the lake, I invite viewers to step back in time, to a place where worries were few and joy was abundant. From country roads to sunsets at the beaches of Lake Huron, each piece of art is an attempt to capture the essence of those sun-drenched days and the unbreakable bonds forged during my childhood summers.
This collection is more than just a series of landscapes; it is a visual diary, a testament to the power of memory and the comfort of home. It is my hope that these works evoke a sense of warmth, familiarity, and a longing for the beauty of the past and rich connections.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Relocating back to the rural towns of the Thumb from North Carolina required lots of imagination for my husband and me to adjust to a much more quiet life here with long cold winters . By the second winter, I started a supper club called “Stir Crazy” to combat the months of hibernation that most people endure and that boosted our social life. My third winter here, I decided to finally take some painting courses to start planting seeds for a life-long dream to become a professional artist. I had dabbled at painting up to this point but I decided to jump in the deep end and give it a go.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Michigan-based artist and owner of Making Waves Art Studio in Caseville, MI, and my work is deeply inspired by the shoreline communities and ever-changing moods of the Great Lakes — especially Lake Huron. I create original paintings that capture the emotion, movement, and atmosphere of life near the water rather than simply documenting a scene. Much of my work focuses on luminous skies, textured water, weathered boats, gulls, and quiet coastal moments that evoke memory, nostalgia, and a sense of place.
Over the years, I’ve become especially known for my layered, atmospheric style and my ability to translate the feeling of the lakeshore into contemporary coastal artwork that resonates emotionally with collectors. Many people tell me my paintings remind them not only of a specific place, but of a moment in their life — summers at the lake, family traditions, peaceful mornings on the beach, or the feeling of freedom that comes with being near the water. That emotional connection is incredibly meaningful to me.
What I’m most proud of is building a career and studio rooted in authenticity and community. I’ve had the opportunity to create work for collectors across Michigan and beyond while staying connected to the small lakeside towns and landscapes that continue to inspire me every day. Seeing my artwork become part of someone’s home — especially in spaces where families gather and create memories — is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Whether it’s a giant mural or a smaller canvas piece, I think what sets my work apart is the combination of texture, atmosphere, and restraint. My paintings aren’t about perfect realism; they’re about creating a mood and allowing viewers to feel immersed in the experience of the shoreline. I’m drawn to subtle color palettes, layered surfaces, and a sense of openness that reflects the emotional beauty of the Great Lakes. There’s also a strong sense of place in my work — it’s unmistakably inspired by Michigan’s coastlines and the culture of lakeside living, but interpreted in a refined, contemporary way.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
There’s always uncertainty in pursuing a career in the arts, especially in a seasonal lakeside community where rhythms change throughout the year. But I’ve learned that risk and creativity are closely connected. As an artist, you’re constantly stepping into the unknown — beginning a blank canvas without fully knowing where it will lead. Opening a gallery felt very similar. It meant trusting my vision, trusting the community, and trusting that art could become part of the cultural identity and economic energy of our town.
What made the risk worthwhile is that the gallery has become more than just a place to display paintings. It has evolved into a gathering space where visitors and locals connect through a shared appreciation for the lakeshore, storytelling, and Michigan’s coastal culture. I think people are increasingly searching for authentic experiences when they travel, and art has the power to create that emotional connection to a place.
Pricing:
- Prints of local murals and lake life from $50-$150
- Original art on canvas and birchwood cradled panels from $200 to $1500
- Custom commissions on wood panels tailored for your space starting at $1000
- Onsite custom murals on fences or walls up to 60 feet starting at $1500.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.krisartist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingwavesart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makingwavesartstudio/
