Kay Crane, award winning artist, was born in Washington DC into a family of artists and at an early age was encouraged to pursue her interest in art. Kay lived for a time in Germany and Texas before moving to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1999. The natural beauty and peacefulness of the area feeds her soul. Kay is the Director of the Craig Gallery in Palisade, Colorado.

From the time she was a child Kay loved animals and critters of every kind. As a toddler, she brought home insects, toads, turtles and snakes to show mom. As she got older she rescued animals a little further up the food chain. As an adult, her house has often been home to multiple cats, dogs, birds, and more exotic pets as well. Needless to say, Kay’s art work has often reflected this inherent love for animals, usually presented in a colorful and somewhat humorous way. Showing the expression on her subjects’ faces is part of the fun, she says, and she hopes the viewer will feel a connection with the subject matter by allowing them to see the personality of each animal shining through.

Kay’s other preferred subjects are antique and rusty cars and trucks that she finds in fields and old barns. It’s the sense of history these vehicles reflect and beautiful patina of age that develops after decades of a life outside that attracts Kay, who often reflects on what lives these vehicles might have touched.

“Painting brings such joy and happiness to me,” says Kay. “I truly hope the viewer of my art will feel some of that, as well.”