Western Hunter Featured Artist: Kelsey Rae Morris

We hope you all enjoyed the launch of our new series which aims to appreciate the talents of some incredible Western artists! We are excited to announce that our second artist in the Western Hunter Featured Artist Series is Kelsey Rae Morris. We had the opportunity to ask Kelsey some questions regarding her background, inspiration, and favorite hunting memories. We hope you like getting to know more about Kelsey and her amazing artwork!

WHM: Give a bit of info about you – where you grew up, where you live now, and how you got started with your art.

Kelsey: I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by a family fueled by muscle cars and rock ‘n’  roll. I was a bit of an adventurous odd-duck; more interested in horses, hiking, and being outside. Eventually, I made my way out west in search of more of those experiences. I slowly but surely grew disillusioned with my corporate career and the scales began to tip in favor of my true passion; drawing and painting. Beginning in 2018, I formed a legitimate business selling my original art and taking commissions. In August of 2021, I went all-in as a full-time artist. Today I call Three Forks, Montana home where I live with my husband and work out of my public studio and gallery.

WHM: How has hunting influenced your artwork?

Kelsey: From my first memories, I was running a trap line and hunting and fishing with my brothers. Fly fishing with my grandfather, who had an old birchbark canoe and willow fishing creels. I have always been fascinated with old tack, handed-down guns, knives, creels, fly wallets, reels, hats, and traps. Time spent in the outdoors, hunting ducks and deer, helping to provide for our large family, or fooling a fox or bobcat into a set was our way of life. I draw, sculpt, and paint the subject I love most; memories of hunting and fishing adventures.

WHM: What makes your art unique?

Kelsey: I think the evolution of my art is quite unique to my personal story. I began as a portrait illustrator and am now tackling large composition paintings. As a self-taught artist and generally curious person, my works symbolize my ongoing growth and skill development. Hopefully evident is a deep love for nature, from which all my inspiration is drawn. In the end, my works will serve as a unique storyline, outlining each chapter's influences and interests.

WHM: What is your favorite hunting memory?

Kelsey: Immediately, my mind goes to a few years ago at turkey camp which we shared with a big group including some friends and my brother. We were not raised hunting, and this was my first hunt with any family member. Everything was great; the perfect mix of crappy, humbling weather and inclement conditions, great company, my favorite landscape, and two tags filled for my husband, brother, and I. Throughout the weekend we also had some awesome wildlife encounters, including calling in a couple of coyotes to very close range and having an entire elk herd feed right past us as we sat through a calling scenario. It was just all-around a great memory.

WHM: What is your favorite piece you've done?

Kelsey: My current favorite is “Sanctum Lost” which is available this year through the C.M. Russell Museum. In many ways, this piece was a milestone and embodies my ideal tone and subject matter. I specifically enjoy the reflective mood I was able to achieve with the color palette and balanced, focused composition.