Krystin Kaess

I've lived all over the country, but Wisconsin is where I found my true home. It's where I've laid roots, met my fiancé, and started a family. One thing that has always been constant is my love for art. My passion for creating began with simple doodles and coloring outside the lines. It all changed when I saw my father painting a beautiful image of a steam engine train. Watching him ignited a fire in me, and I wanted to be just as good as him. Every day, I would grab printer paper and try to perfect each piece, much to my parents' irritation. Eventually, sketchbooks became a staple gift during holidays and birthdays.

Throughout grade school, I often got in trouble for drawing instead of doing assignments. At twelve, my 6th-grade science teacher commissioned me to draw a portrait of her dogs, paying me $25. Which felt like a fortune. From there, I explored charcoal and colored pencils. At nineteen, I met Doug Kruse, who helped me sell pet portraits at various events. I also met my fiancé, who introduced me to the outdoors and hunting, sparking a new interest in wildlife art.

At 24, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. As she grew, I began creating wildlife artwork, realizing it was my true calling. My fiancé has been my rock and biggest supporter, especially when it comes to perfecting my paintings of deer. My faith in God and the support of my family and friends have driven me to push myself and achieve my goals. I'll never forget what started it all-a curious four-year-old girl watching her daddy paint.