About Kayla Due
Kayla is a wildlife portrait artist.
Kayla started KT Fine Arts in 2018. Since then she has been working to develop her style and create pieces that capture the allure of nature and wildlife.
Kayla is fascinated by the unique beauty of the world’s creatures, and uses KT Fine Arts to share that with others. Her artworks explore themes of beauty and connection through the use of facial expressions, color, mark making, and composition. Her styles embodies a blend of abstraction and realism to capture an expressive style. She aims to inspire reflection and appreciation on the individualism of each subject. She believes that in a fast paced world it is refreshing to take moments to stop and truly admire the beauty of the things around us.
Where It Started
Growing up in western North Dakota means that many weekends were reserved for spending time in the beautiful landscapes of the badlands or exploring the waters of Lake Sakakawea. As soon as I was able to walk - and maybe even earlier - my dad started introducing me into the ways of the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and hiking were hobbies my dad was passionate about sharing with me.
While my dad taught me countless hands-on skills about being an outdoors enthusiast, he also passed along a perpetual respect and admiration for all wildlife and the landscapes they live in.
Being out in nature was about the experience of getting to be part of a larger process. Many times we would sit on top of a hillside and just watch and listen to the world around us. We took the opportunity to absorb our surroundings and experience nature as it was intended. My inspiration for my work derives from these moments and perspectives.
Where It’s Going
My respect and admiration for wildlife continues to grow. I plan to continue exploring and sharing my perspective with others through artwork. I look forward to going out and experiencing nature firsthand, sharing stories with others, and connecting with individuals about how animals have and continue to impact our own lives.
My artistic style continues to evolve and expand and I am excited to keep pushing these boundaries further. My favorite quote that fuels my artistic motivation is “Don’t just paint it, make it a painting.” I can’t recall where I originally heard that quote but I took it to heart. I continue to use it to encourage myself to find new and exciting ways to blend my artistic practice with the allure of wildlife.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking an interest in my work, my brand, and myself. If you would like to get to know me better, I encourage you to reach out and say hi. Send me a message on Facebook or Instagram or send me an email at ktfinearts@gmail.com.
Artist CV
-
Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists (FMVA)
The Arts Partnership (TAP)
The Plains Art Museum
-
BFA in Arts Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead
MFA in Visual Arts from University of North Dakota
-
Plains Art Museum Spring Gala
Plains Art Museum, Group Show, April 2024-June 2024
Into The Wild
The Capital Gallery, Group Show, March 2024-May2024
Hector International Airport Featured Artist
Hector International Airport, Solo Show, July 2023-November 2023
Constraint Exhibition
Plains Art Museum, Group Show, Sept 2022-Jan 2023
Art Ghoullery V
TAP, Rourke Art Museum, Group Show, Oct 2022-Nov 2022
The Great Winter Crow Show
Spirit Room Gallery, Group Show, Mar 2022-May 2022
Pop-Up Exhibition
Gallery 4, Group Show, Aug 2022
Unnatural Connections
UND, Myers Gallery, Solo Show, Dec 2020
Big Exhibition
FMVA, Clay County Historical Cultural Society, Group Show, Mar 2021 – May 2021
FMVA, West Acres Mall, Group Show, Mar 2022 – Apr 2022
FMVA, West Acres Mall, Group Show, Mar 2023 – Apr 2023
FMVA, West Acres Mall, Group Show, May 2024
Little Exhibition
FMVA, Essentia Atrium, Group Show, Mar 2021-Apr 2021
FMVA, Essentia Atrium, Group Show, Mar 2022-Apr 2022
Epic Annual Art Show
The Lights, Second Annual Show, Group Show, Oct 2021
Scheels Arena, Third Annual Show, Group Show, Oct 2022
Featured Artist Shows
20 Below Coffee, Solo Show, Apr 2022-May 2022
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar, Solo Show, Dec 2022
Meet the Team
-
Kayla Due
ARTIST / OWNER
I started KT Fine Arts with my husband, Nick, in 2018. Since then I have been working to further develop my style and create pieces that capture the beauty of nature and wildlife.
-
Nick Due
BUSINESS MANAGER
Nick is my husband and business manager. He oversees all of the marketing, graphic design, printing, and “businessy” things that way I can focus on painting. He’s my biggest supporter and toughest critic. KT Fine Arts wouldn’t be where it is at today without him.
-
Mowgli & Mufasa
RESIDENT FELINES
Mowgli is the professional troublemaker for KT Fine Arts. His hobbies include putting kibble in people’s shoes and bothering the other employees.
Mufasa is our professional furball and one heckuva good boy. He spends most of his day sleeping in his window perch or judging Kayla’s every brush stroke from the chair in her studio.