Christine Zmuda | Artist Statement & Bio
Art That Sings to the Soul
Christine Zmuda creates more than paintings—she composes visual symphonies. A celebrated abstract artist based in the Washington DC area, Christine is known for her emotionally resonant work that fuses color, rhythm, and movement. Each piece she creates is infused with music—literally. Her process begins with sound and ends in feeling. Music is not background; it's the muse.
Whether it's the soulful sway of jazz, the raw edge of rock, or the introspection of alternative tunes, Christine channels what she hears into bold, expressive works that collectors describe as energizing, uplifting, and deeply human. Her vibrant palette and fearless brushwork reflect both the melody and the mood—resulting in art that pulses with life and invites you to feel, not just look.
The Creative Journey
Christine’s creative process is as immersive as her paintings. She begins each piece by selecting a musical genre that matches her emotional state, allowing it to guide her color choices and composition. Working primarily with acrylics, pastels, charcoal, and oil sticks—on both canvas and paper—her studio becomes a performance space where music and mood collide.
Her artistic lineage draws inspiration from abstract greats like Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, and Richard Diebenkorn. Yet her voice is distinctly grounded in a lifetime of listening and a personal history marked by change, movement, and creativity. Having relocated often in her youth, music became her constant. Today, it remains her guide, her grounding force, and the secret behind the emotional intensity of her work.
For the Collector
Christine’s paintings don’t whisper—they sing. They are collected by those who seek more than decor—those who want to surround themselves with art that resonates on a visceral level. Her work is prized for its ability to infuse a space with emotion, energy, and soul.
As one collector put it: “ “Christine’s work brings light and joy into every room—it doesn’t just hang on the wall, it lifts the spirit.”
Beyond the Studio
Christine’s journey is as dynamic as her art. With degrees from Michigan State University (B.S) and American University (MBA), she spent decades in the tech world, retiring from Microsoft to fully embrace her creative path. She now co-hosts the Refirement Life podcast, exploring joy, purpose, and reinvention in midlife. Christine is also a founding board member of the Ted Rullo Foundation, supporting college-bound changemakers.
Listen to an excerpt of the Artist Talk @Maryland Hall for Creative Arts.
For this exhibit, I had imagined people enjoying the music and learning more about the painting inspiration. This mother-daughter moment was a highlight for me as an artist.
I have an IGTV channel which shares painting process videos and an art studio tour. Check it out here.
In July, I was recognized with the Microsoft Painting Award. There were six categories of artwork and my I was recognized for the painting category amongst 400 other applicants. . This show was juried by the curators of the Microsoft Art Collection. It was quite a thrill and they produced this video in recognition of the award.
This was a poetry performance which supported the "What is ours?" exhibition at the Sandy Spring Museum in September 2020. The poem is a tribute to my great grandparents their meeting in Italy and subsequent life raising a family in the States.