We were lucky to catch up with Kathy Harder recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kathy, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Yes absolutely! I actually am lucky enough to have both, a creative artist job and working on my ranch complements my equine observation skills. I have a working horse boarding ranch which allows very distinctive different breeds and the observation of their movements. For instance the fiery personality of the Arab, the gaited movement of a Rocky Mountain/Draft. and the wonderful concentration of a reining quarter horse. The observation and handling of the horses allows me to see from the ear, eye, leg and how the body is formed. This transfers from the brain into the hand, then the grand finally paintbrush onto paper.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About me. When I was younger I won a very prestigious award in high school. After that I always wanted to go on to do art. BUT!! I met my husband who worked for bands such as America and the one and only Joni Mitchell in the 70’s. He went on to manage tours for Neil Young, The Cars, and Tom Petty. This was an exciting time for me so naturally I went with the tours and traveled the world. In the eighties I decided it was time to get back to art. At this time I went to art school while developing my ranch. I always wondered, should I pursue only art or only ranching. I kept up with both. NO REGETS! With both I have been successful. I consider the ranch built at this point so I am pursuing my art career. I am a watercolor artist who portrays the western way of life as I am living it! As my art has progressed this year in January I received the Western Art Collector Magazine Award, Editors Choice, at the Coors western Art Show in Denver, Colorado. In March I received the Art of the West Magazine Award, Award Of Excellence. This month I received May/June recognition from the editor of Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, choosing my piece to represent our Women Artists Of The West invitational show at the famous Woolaroc Museum in Oklahoma. Being recognized by three magazines so far this year I feel sets me apart from other western artists.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
As a beginner in art I was looking for direction. Being accepted in the very prestigious Mountain Oyster Art Show in Tucson, Arizona, I met a woman who gladly gave me direction. She told me to join a group where there you can find friends, direction, mentoring. experience of others who can profoundly open doors. Following this suggestion I joined both Women Artists Of The West, a mature group and Cowgirl Artists Of America. CGA is a newer group but there is more than enough information being shared to get an artist started. Upon joining one has to be “juried in”, which means you submit your art and a group decides to allow one to join. Once in the groups you will learn how to get your art out there, social media, and most of all how to get into shows that promote your art.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is traveling to the shows, meeting other artists as they are placed all around the U. S. I have made life long friends all from different states so as you travel, one is always renewing these rewarding friendships. When in a place where the show is held it’s always interesting to learn the history, the local attractions, the current news and happenings. Exploring a new or revisited town is always fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: kathyharderstudios.com
- Instagram: @kathyharderart
- Facebook: Kathy Harder Art
Image Credits
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