Kristin Pennock, AIA
Architecture + Fine Art
I am an architect and artist. Documenting places and how they are inhabited by their community, the play of light within them, and what makes them distinctive is a passion of mine. I aim to design highly functional spaces of dignity and delight, and to draw and paint works that transmit the happiness I feel when inspired by my surroundings.
Architecture
For over 30 years, I worked both at architecture firms then as a university staff architect producing a wide variety of commercial, industrial, civic, historic preservation, accessibility, and facilities work.
While known for both technical proficiency as well as big picture vision in reviewing and coordinating large scale projects, I decided to transition from construction and follow my love of art, honed through architectural sketching & rendering experience and design.
For smaller architectural side projects, I still occasionally consult with fellow architect Liz Harrow at CollabO.
Art
Sketching has rewarded me with priceless interactions bridging backgrounds and cultures. People are curious how their environment is seen through my eyes and pen, and suddenly we are no longer strangers. My sketchbook and pencils travel always by my side around the world.
Painting provides a greater opportunity for my study of color and light. It exhilarates in two phases: first while hashing a composition out of my initial inspiration in the field, and later, tuning out references in the studio and responding to the needs of the composition itself to wake it up. In between, the work quietly develops and I happily lose track of time.
Food Sketches
As an experiment in conscientious eating, and way to creatively incorporate drawing in my daily routine, I concocted a concept I named “Sketchdiet”. Eating anything I wanted, as much as l desired, at any time, was the plan, with one crucial caveat: I must own it and draw a picture of absolutely everything, first. For months. While this started as doodles while diagnosing my food allergies in 2013, I kept returning to the practice in smaller bites in subsequent years to see what worked, how it increased my consciousness about food, and to train for a whole year.
Eventually, in January 2024, I moved to my custom accordion sketchbook format to enable potential exhibition, successfully taking on one entire calendar year. All 216 linear feet of 2024 food were exhibited in ArtPrize 2026 at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
Urban Sketching
I am part of the International Urban Sketchers, as an active member of the Pune, India Chapter. This is a natural companion to my food sketches; done in situ with the public able to observe the process.
When in India, I join them every week documenting life in the city. At home in Michigan and elsewhere in the world, it is always part of my travels.
Commissions
I am open to painting commissions, children’s book illustration, demonstrations, and definitely food illustration.
I still have many volumes of travel sketches to digitize and make available.
Reach out with questions and ideas for collaboration!
