About the artist ⇓
Born in 1977 in Tartu
Lives and works in Tallinn, Estonia
Introduction
Kristiina Roots is an Estonian watercolor artist and medical scientist based in Tallinn. Her lifelong passion for painting is expressed in direct and energetic works that are born from careful observation – often outdoors, both in Estonia and while traveling, from encounters with people, animals, and different places.
As an artist, she combines classical painting techniques with a contemporary sensibility, focusing on movement, light and form. Her work covers a wide range of subjects – landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, nature and animal motifs and still lifes. For Kristiina, the subject is secondary; the first place is given to the watercolor itself – its fluidity and possibilities, which are reflected in every season and stage of life. She uses watercolor as an independent and full-fledged medium, playing with transparency, layers and fluidity to achieve clarity and emotional presence in each work.
Kristiina began her art studies early, studying At Tartu Children's Art School and with an artistic bent in high school. Parallel to a scientific career in the pharmaceutical industry and academic research – defending a doctoral degree at the University of Tartu in medical biochemistry – she has painted consistently and created over 500 original works.
She is Estonian Watercolourists' Association member and has participated in its joint exhibitions in Estonia and internationally. Her works have been exhibited, among others FabrianoInAcquarello (Italy) and International Watercolor Masters (Great Britain) exhibitions and several Drink and Draw on display in Estonia.
As the project manager of FabrianoInAcquarello (FabrianoInWatercolour) Estonia, Kristiina promotes international artistic collaboration.
She has developed her skills under world-renowned watercolor masters and has been selected among the International Watercolor Masters Top 200.
Recently, Kristiina has initiated and leads introductory watercolor workshops. “Master the flow – the momentum and enchantment of watercolor”, where he shares his skills and creative thinking. His goal is to increase the visibility of watercolor as a nuanced and contemporary medium in Estonia and bring its power to a wider circle of art enthusiasts.
Education
2000-2008 University of Tartu, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, PhD
1995-2000 University of Tartu, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, BSc
1992-1995 Tartu 14th Secondary School, art school
1988-1992 Tartu Children's Art School
Selected solo exhibition
2008 Travel impressions, Tartu University Cafe, Tartu
Selected group exhibitions
2025 Estonian Watercolorists Association Exhibition „"Duo: Restraint and Explosion"“, Rapla County Contemporary Art Center
2025 Estonian Watercolorists Association Exhibition „"Colors of Muhu"“, White Cube gallery, Northern factory, Tallinn
2025 Drink and Draw pop-up exhibition, Estonia pst 5, Tallinn
2024 Drink and Draw Annual Exhibition, Salme Cultural Center and Põhjala Factory, Tallinn
2024 FabrianoInAcquarello, International Watercolor Museum, Fabriano, Italy
2024 International Watercolor Masters, digital exhibition, Lilleshall Hall, Shropshire, England
2023 Drink and Draw Annual Exhibition, Sepikoja Gallery, Põhjala Factory, Tallinn
2022 Drink and Draw Annual Exhibition, Salme Cultural Center, Tallinn
Recognitions
2025 Top 200, International Watercolor Masters, Shropshire, England
2024 Tueop 200, International Watercolor Masters, Shropshire, England