Kathy Duke’s Pet Portraits and So Much More

I met Kathy about two years ago. We have horses in common. Specifically, our two horses are pasture mates and best friends – Maverick and Bubba. I knew Kathy for sometime before someone mentioned that she was also an artist. Kathy’s portraits are captivating. She paints whimsical and realistic portraits with the skill of someone who knows animals.

Kathy’s work has garnered many awards including winning the American Academy of Equine Arts Elsie Tuckerman award for best portrait. The Humane Society has benefited from Kathy’s donations auctioned for various fund raising activities. I watch Kathy work with Maverick and her dogs and her love for all animals is immediately evident. Her beautiful portraits reflect that respect.

“Reflecting on the Dream”

KATHY DUKE

How would I describe my work?

I am an animal portrait artist,…mostly. That is, I use animals as my main subject matter. Most are animals that I know, or are animals that people have portraits commissioned of. I have a variety of styles I work in. they range from classical and realistic, to whimsical, fun, and playful. I paint in oils and watercolor, but my favorite is combining watercolor and colored pencil. That combination gives the painting a soft, flowing color and crisp detail at the same time. It allows me to give the artwork more depth and character that either medium alone. I love how it lets me sharpen the detail “down to the whiskers and eyelashes”.

I believe a drawing or painting should be about more than a likeness. As an artist, I use my experience as an equestrian and all around animal lover, to capture the personality, expression, and physical likeness in my artwork. I know the joy animals can bring. I hope to represent each one as a truly special and unique individual.

What is my creative process?

That depends. In a commissioned portrait, I usually have good clear photos of the animal sent to me. I talk with the client about why they want the portrait. Some are looking for a perfect gift, others are wanting a memorial portrait. I like to hear about the animal’s personality, their quirks, funny things they did, etc. I try to put that personality onto the canvas or watercolor paper.

Artwork for my personal projects usually start with an idea that pops up in my head. I’ll see something, or remember a scene, or just start to imagine a composition. I start sketching after that. I try and bring all of the puzzle pieces in my head together and get to work. Sometimes, I’m not exactly sure what the finished will look like. I just let it develop as it goes along.

When did you know art would be your path in life?

I have been drawing ever since I could pick up a crayon. As a kid, if I was sitting still, I was drawing. I almost couldn’t help myself. I would draw on any scrap of paper available with whatever pen, pencil, or crayon was available. I think Ive always known that art would be part of my life.

Kathy and Maverick

If you’re not working on your art – what are you doing?

I am most likely out at the barn. I am one of the very lucky people in the world. I am able to make a living out of my passion. I am a horse trainer and riding instructor. My home base for horse training is at Bits & Bytes Farm in Canton, GA. There, they have Thoroughbred horses that have retired from the racetrack. I help retrain them for a new career as sport horses that do dressage, a little jumping, western riding, or even just enjoy a trail ride. I also travel to other farms in the area to train horses and teach others how to improve their riding skills.

My love of animals has always been as much a part of me as my art. I have always loved horses and dogs. I am fascinated by their personalities, the way they learn, and the way they interact with each other and with us. Ive studied their anatomy and how they move. I did dog obedience training in my teen age years and showed dogs in both the conformation and obedience ring. As an adult, I train and compete in agility with my two Border Collies, Koda and Piper.