News & Art Collaborations
24th January 2025

Interview with Kelly Kruse

Kelly Kruse’s artistic journey is one of profound exploration, weaving together themes of faith, transience, and the human condition.

With a rich background in classical music and opera, Kelly Kruse’s artistry spans across scripture, poetry, music, and visual art, forming a unique interdisciplinary perspective. From her early studies of Medieval and Renaissance music in Italy to her recent nationwide commission at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Kelly’s career is a testament to her passion for merging tradition with modern expression.

Currently based in Kansas City, Missouri, where she serves as Curator of the Four Chapter Gallery, Kelly continues to inspire as a painter, mentor, and curator. In this interview, she shares insights into her creative process, the transformative power of art, and her unwavering passion for Daler-Rowney’s FW Ink.

What inspired you to pick up a brush and start painting?

I had ideas I wanted to process and express through the medium of a physical object and visual language. It is remarkably empowering and healing to participate in making something new, and art creates space for conversations that are difficult to have in other ways.

When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?

I've been an artist in some form for over 25 years and have always felt the itch to make things with my hands. I went to college for classical music, but deep down, I always wanted to be a painter. Ten years ago I took the plunge and started making art professionally.

What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?

Be yourself. Show up and repeatedly make the work, even when it is hard. The process itself is the reward, not the finished product. Work hard to cultivate your own visual language, and learn what you are most passionate about. The more passion and dedication you put into the world, the more you'll connect with others.

What is the best tip you were told early in your career?

You don't need anyone's permission to...be an artist...start a body of work...apply for exhibitions. So just do it. :)

How has social media helped your career?

Social media has helped me to connect with people I would not have found otherwise. I've sold countless paintings because of Instagram. Patreon has been vital to set up a system of support and patronage that keeps me in touch with the people who are most dialled into what I'm doing.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Music, the richness of my spiritual life, the natural world, poetry.

What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?

FW Ink. It is the most versatile medium I have ever used. I paint with it, draw with it, I've painted on glass, duralar, wood, metal, and paper/canvas, and I even did a whole body of work dyeing mulberry paper with it. It is lightfast and absolutely amazing quality. I started with it ten years ago and will never look back!

What technique you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?

I'd like to play with some resin pouring.

Explore Kelly's work further here.