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

Hi Kelli, why did you pursue a creative career?
It was really just something that happened organically. I have always loved any and all things creative, especially painting. In my 20’s I would paint portraits of my friends dogs as gifts. It wasn’t until my daughter and son were born that I started to brainstorm ways to make money from home.
At one point I came across an advertisement for pet portrait artists. Although I didn’t get the job, the seed was planted and I started painting watercolor pet portraits.
That was four years ago and since then my art has grown to include a much wider range of subjects from people to wildlife as well as a variety of mediums.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am super honored to paint peoples beloved pets. I love that I am trusted to capture such an important member of the family. I mostly paint my portraits in vibrant colors using gouache or acrylic.
Last year I started painting portraits of people and I am excited to see what that evolves into.
After the madness of the holidays, I’m very much looking forward to switching gears and painting pieces for my art showing in May. I will focus on large acrylic paintings of Colorado Wildlife. There is a freedom that I feel when painting my wildlife pieces as apposed to my commissioned work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Gunnison Colorado is an amazing place if you love the outdoors! Being from the east coast, I miss the ocean. So for me, Blue Mesa Reservoir is my favorite place to be. Hartman rocks is another beautiful and unique place for mountain biking, skiing and hiking.
Crested Butte mountain is a 40 minute drive from Gunnison. Crested Butte is breathtakingly beautiful and has some amazing restaurants.
Check out Taco Cat Taco Cart for delicious tacos and unique drinks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out Oh Be Dogful Rescue and Sanctuary. I have worked there on and off for over 12 years. It started out as a boarding and daycare facility for dogs. Then in 2013 the rescue and sanctuary was started. It is inspiring to work along people that have such a strong work ethic and love of animals. They have encouraged my painting from the beginning.

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