Crystal McDonald Artist

Hi!

As an acrylic and mixed media abstract artist from Southern California, I create colorful, vibrant, and playful art that celebrates freedom and allows me to express my emotions with every mark.

I find inspiration in art, travel, nature, photography, and well-being. Travel opens my mind, photography captures special moments, and nature brings me peace. A commitment to well-being nurtures both my body and mind, fueling my creativity and positive outlook.

I started painting as a way to explore creativity and make something truly unique. Abstract art allows me to freely express my thoughts and feelings, and I’m drawn to it because there are no limits to what I can create.

Painting feels like freedom to me. I enjoy playing with color, shape, form, and texture. Each brushstroke, color mix, and thoughtful detail is my way of sharing how I see the world. The process of layering and creating is always exciting, filled with endless possibilities.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or looking to brighten up your space, my goal is to inspire and uplift through original paintings, prints, and unique merchandise. I hope my art adds color and positivity to your life. Thank you for being part of my artistic journey—it means a lot to me!

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Some facts about me:

I hold a BA in Management Information Systems (computer programming) from California State University, Fullerton.

I’ve raised four amazing children—two boys and two girls—who are now grown, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

I discovered my passion for art later in life when my youngest child was in college. In 2017, I took two painting classes at a local college, sparking a new creative journey. What started as a hobby soon grew into something much bigger. In 2022, I embraced my dream of creating colorful abstract art, and it’s now something I’m dedicated to for life! I’m so happy to have found my passion for painting and creating art, and it’s something that can be enjoyed at any age, for as long as you want to keep creating!

From 2018 to 2022, I traveled the world as a nomad, except during the height of covid.

I prioritize my well-being by adopting a holistic approach to health, maintaining a nutrient-dense diet with limited sugar, avoiding additives, preservatives, and food coloring, choosing organic options whenever possible, and exercising regularly.

I LOVE to travel…

Countries visited

Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Monaco, Greece, Turkey, Malta

Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Cambodia, China 

Peru, Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica 

Canada, Tahiti, Morocco 

Bucket list

Australia, New Zealand

Europe – Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, England, Denmark 

Carribean – Belize, Turks and Caicos, St Lucia

South America – Galápagos Islands, Rio, Iguazu falls

Asia – Taiwan, Philipines

Misc – Seychelles, Fiji, Maldives, Dubai

Exhibitions & Representation

Sept 26, 2024 – Mar 2025 | Artwork: “Sending Good Thoughts Your Way”
City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center Art Gallery, Irvine, CA

Sept 14 – 22, 2024 | Artwork: “Windows of Opportunities”
Art Venture, Costa Mesa, CA

Sept 14, 2024 | Artist Booth: Various pieces
Newport Beach Arts Foundation, Art in the Park, Newport Beach, CA

Aug 24 – Sept 20, 2024 | Artwork: “Peaceful Night Ahead”
Los Angeles Art Association, Gild Exhibition, Los Angeles, CA

July 1 – Aug 30, 2024 | Various pieces on 3 panels
Huntington Beach Art League, Central Library, Huntington Beach, CA

July 1 – Aug 31, 2024 | Artwork: “Windows of Opportunities”
Sasse Museum, Illuminated Show, Pomona, CA

July 27, 2024 | Artwork: “Let’s Meet for Lunch”
Los Angeles Art Association, LAAA Benefit Auction, Los Angeles, CA

Jun 22 – Jul 19, 2024 | Artwork: “The Radiant Trio”
Los Angeles Art Association, Summerstock Exhibition, Los Angeles, CA

Jul 19 – Aug 18, 2024 | Artwork: “Cosmic Fun”
Orange County Fair Fine Art Competition, Costa Mesa, CA

Mar 11 – Aug 26, 2024 | Artwork: “Go with the Flow”
City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center Art Gallery, Irvine, CA

Jun 4 – Jul 10, 2024 | Artworks: “Dream” and “Sending Good Thoughts Your Way”
Anaheim Art Association, Center Gallery, Anaheim, CA

Jun 29, 2024 | Artworks: “The Light Within” and “I Will Find the Way”
Newport Beach Art Exhibition, Newport Beach, CA

May 10 – Jun 28, 2024 | Artwork: “Let’s Meet for Lunch”
Huntington Beach Art League, Central Library, Huntington Beach, CA

Jun 4 – Jul 10, 2024 | Artwork: “Dream”
City of Anaheim, Anaheim Art Association, Center Library Show

May 9 – 11, 2024 | Artworks: “Be Robust,” “The Radiant Trio,” “Desire”
Sunset Beach Art Festival, Sunset Beach, CA

May 29 – Jul 29, 2024 | Artwork: “Desire”
Fire International Smart Online Group Exhibition (Online)

Apr 10 – May 3, 2024 | Artwork: “New Love”
Coastline College, Newport Beach, CA

Apr 25 – 27, 2024 | Artworks: “Be Robust” and “Desire”
Artcrawl Fest, Sante Fe, CA

Mar 1 – Apr 6, 2024 | Artwork: “The Light Within”
Showcase Gallery, Santa Ana, CA

Apr 19 – 20, 2024 | 4 pieces
Pancakes and Booze Show, Los Angeles, CA

Jan 27 – Mar 16, 2024 | Artworks: “Dream” and “Sending Good Thoughts Your Way”
Huntington Beach Art Council, Centered on the Center Exhibition, Huntington Beach, CA

2023

Oct 7, 2023 | Surf City Art Festival
Huntington Beach Art Center, Huntington Beach, CA

Oct 21 – Dec 16, 2023 | Inspired Exhibition
Huntington Beach Art Center, Huntington Beach, CA

Sept 7 – 31, 2023 | Abstract Exhibition
Las Laguna Art Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA 

Sept – Oct 2023 | Artistonish Magazine
Biafarin, International Online

Memberships

  • Los Angeles Art Association / Gallery 825, Los Angeles, CA
  • California Art League, CA
  • Huntington Beach Art Center, Huntington Beach, CA
  • Huntington Beach Art League, Huntington Beach, CA
  • Anaheim Art Association, Anaheim, CA