Christine Valters Paintner is the online abbess for Abbey of the Arts, a virtual monastery offering classes and resources on contemplative practice and creative expression. She earned a doctorate in Christian spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, and achieved professional status as a registered expressive arts consultant and educator from the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. She is also trained as a spiritual director and supervisor.

Paintner is the author of numerous spirituality titles, including Artist's Rule; A Midwinter God; The Love of Thousands; Birthing the Holy; Sacred Time; Earth, Our Original Monastery; The Soul's Slow Ripening; The Wisdom of the Body; Illuminating the Way; The Soul of a Pilgrim; The Water, Wind, Earth, and Fire; and three collections of poetry.

Paintner is a Benedictine oblate living in Galway, Ireland, with her husband, John. Together they lead online retreats on their website, abbeyofthearts.com.