Meet Reagan Kruse | Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reagan Kruse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reagan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve never been anything other than an artist. I had exposure to this type of career at a young age. My grandma was a working artist and lived five minutes down the road from me. This career was always my dream. No matter what other job I may have at the moment, those resources are there to support my painting. The studio is home for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am quickly learning that there is no plateau in the climb us artist are on. No matter what kind of artist I am talking to, whether their paintings are $300 or $30,000, whether they are old or young, they are all working incredibly hard. It is a type of career which will always require the late nights and constant sacrifices. You must surround yourself with people doing the same thing, otherwise the duties can quickly overwhelm and feel quite isolating. Painting can be lonely work so finding your people who understand is so important.

I want people to know that I am still figuring it out, but the more I look around it seems everyone else is too. I’ve had some awesome wins but those do not overshadow the harder days. You have to stay balanced being a creative and not wait around for contentment in the ‘next thing’.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend in town visiting who was interested in art I’d take them to Wolfgang Gallery. They host amazing (amazing) artists and are extremely friendly. Whitespace Gallery is a beautiful space with world changing exhibitions also. Then, of course, MOCA GA and The Atlanta Contemporary. I would want to walk the Beltline for food and drinks and catch one of their Night Market Pop Ups for shopping. For coffee, I love East Pole at Armour Yards and Dancing Goats at Ponce City Market. Lastly, an H&F Burger never disappoints.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes! There are so many artists and art people that have poured in since I embarked on this journey. First, my inspiring gallery job I had in school with Helena Fox Fine Art (@helenafoxfineartcharleston). Carolyn Fraser helped me so much in my relational skills and learning the business of art. The owner, Helena, also taught me valuable lessons on finding an identity as a collector and artist. They both continue to keep me inspired and encouraged! I was also lucky enough to work with West Fraser (@westfraserstudio) and learn from his decades of mastery. Now that I am based in Atlanta, I have found a home in this local art scene. There are so many talents I have been able to interact with including Mike Phillips (@morningside_art) and Thomas Flynn II (@thomasflynnii). I also have a friend and forever inspiration in Tracey Cendoya (@cendoya.art).

Website: https://www.reagankruse.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reagankrusestudio/