Meet Kaysa Duke | Western Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaysa Duke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaysa, what do you want people to remember about you?
Honestly, I want people to remember the Cowboys and the West. I want my art to excite others and get them to a Rodeo or to a Chuckwagon event. Get them outside and away from their technology for just a moment. Let them remember that childhood pony or working the gate for their grandpa as he gathers the livestock. Even if you’re stuck in the city, I want you to remember the country.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, my day job consists of working in accounting at PBR (Professional Bull Riders). Not glamorous by any means but I’m fortunate to be still be working within the rodeo industry, even though I’m not “in the dirt.”

As far as being an artist, my day job affords the luxury of not being forced to create, which to me, is a blessing. Yes, I’d love to be able to be a full time artist but at the same time, that can hinder your creativity when you MUST create a piece to pay the mortgage.

With all that being said, it’s a fine balance. I work my day job and create in the spare time, trying to get my name out there. It can be challenging at times, but challenges can be fun when not forced.

Now a little back story: I didn’t come to Colorado to work in accounting. Back in 2016, before we were married, my husband to be and I drove up for a once in a lifetime interview to work on the Harry Vold Ranch. Well, we landed the job, got married on October 6th in Driftwood, Texas and then reported for work November 1st on thousands of acres outside of Pueblo. Told our friends and family we were moving north to work with bucking stock and away we went.
It was at the ranch that I got back in touch with my artistic side. It started off with photography because there was just so much to capture! Actually received a 2nd place ribbon for a photo I shot while in the alleyway getting ready for a rodeo at the 2018 State Fair.
Once Harry passed, our job was phased out, and we had to get “real jobs” in town. That’s when I slowly transitioned from photography back to something I’d been playing with since I could pick up a pencil: sketching. It’s been a lesson in learning ever since.

New techniques, new supplies. So much more than the notebook paper and #2 pencil from the school days! Give me Nero pencils (thanks Andy) and some smooth Bristol paper, and I am a happy woman!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Colorado, so we’d have to take some backroads and get off the interstate for sure. I’d take them to places like Westcliffe, Cripple Creek, Manitou Springs, Buena Vista and all the places in between. Maybe hit up a hot springs and relax after a hike. Grab a lunch on the road but NOT from a fast food joint. Gotta support the mom & pops! Maybe The Owl Cigar Shop in Canon City for a burger? Oh yes!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Andy Pelster. Andy is an amazing western artist and when I have a question about how to get a certain look, he has always been a message away for me. Some artists aren’t as “giving” when it comes to questions about how to achieve something, but Andy has been so instrumental in sharing knowledge about techniques and I cannot appreciate that enough.

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/kaysadukeart