Corey Christensen is a visual artist whose creative journey began in Bamberg, Germany, where he was born in 1988, and continued through his upbringing in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Rooted primarily in traditional art, Corey explores a wide range of mediums, guided by a lifelong instinct to create. What began with crayons and pencils in childhood gradually expanded to include painting, digital illustration, poetry, and music. In 2015, he earned a bachelor’s degree in music production—another reflection of his deep connection to creative expression.
Corey’s earliest artistic aspirations were shaped by classic Disney animation. Films such as The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs inspired his childhood dream of becoming a cartoonist. Even today, he holds a deep admiration for the organic charm of hand-drawn animation and the emotional richness it conveys.
In his teenage years, Corey’s influences shifted toward Japanese anime, which sparked a dramatic evolution in his subject matter and style. His sketchbooks filled with dynamic characters reminiscent of iconic series he followed with passion. This phase of high-energy illustration eventually opened the door for a new artistic chapter: realism.
By his early twenties, Corey began exploring photo-realistic pencil portraiture—a shift that would significantly shape his career. Through dedication and practice, he developed a strong foundation in graphite realism, eventually receiving commissions from both locals and individuals who discovered his work from afar. The emotional impact his portraits had on viewers deepened his appreciation for the power of art, affirming creativity as both a gift and a responsibility.
For several years, Corey remained focused on pencil portraiture, becoming one of the few recognized portrait artists in his small hometown. Yet in 2020, he discovered something transformative: his own distinct artistic style. Surprisingly, it emerged through a medium he had once struggled with—acrylic paint. After attempting a Bob Ross tutorial using acrylics rather than oils, Corey uncovered new techniques and possibilities that resonated with him on a much deeper level. This moment marked the beginning of his signature aesthetic.
As his artistic voice matured, Corey gravitated toward work that “romanticizes darkness.” Drawing on influences from both his cartoonist past and his realist training, he developed an expressive style that blends atmosphere, emotion, and storytelling. His paintings shifted from literal representation to conceptual narrative, allowing him to explore personal themes and darker subject matter in a way that felt authentic and creatively fulfilling.
Today, Corey’s artwork continues to evolve as he embraces new mediums, techniques, and ideas. He remains committed to personal and artistic growth, approaching each piece as an opportunity to explore, refine, and share his vision. Grateful for the ability to connect with others through his work, Corey invites viewers to join him on this journey—one defined by curiosity, transformation, and an unwavering passion for creation.
COREY CHRISTENSEN ART 