About Me – Kaylee Rakowski

My Journey:

From Trail to Canvases

I’m Kaylee Rakowski, a nature lover turned artist with a story that’s as much about perseverance as it is about passion. Before I ever picked up a paintbrush, my life was filled with the thrill of outdoor adventures. I was an amateur photographer, capturing the wild beauty of the landscapes I explored. I spent years as a coach and professional athlete, pushing my limits on trails, mountains, and open waters. My heart has always been connected to the sights and sounds of nature, whether it was the rush of a river or the quiet rustling of leaves in a forest.

But in early 2021, everything changed. A serious injury left me unable to do the things I loved most—running, hiking, climbing. I suddenly found myself confined indoors, unable to connect with the natural world that had always been my sanctuary. It was during this challenging time that I stumbled upon an old television show featuring a classic oil painter whose peaceful style of capturing nature scenes on canvas captured my imagination. With no prior experience in painting, I decided to give it a try.

As I began to teach myself how to use oils on canvas, I found a new way to explore the places I could no longer visit physically. Each brushstroke became a journey into the landscapes I loved—tranquil forests, blooming meadows, and distant mountains. Painting allowed me to reconnect with the outdoors, even from the confines of my home. The more I painted, the more I realized that I had discovered a new passion, one that could bring me—and others—closer to the beauty of the natural world.

My style is inspired by some of the greatest wet-on-wet oil landscape and floral artists, including Bob Ross, Bill Alexander, and Lowell Speers. Their techniques have influenced my work, but I’ve also developed my own approach, one that reflects my deep connection to nature and my love for vibrant, dynamic scenes. Today, I create art that brings the outdoors to life, capturing the serene beauty of nature with every brushstroke.

Now, I share my journey with others through my YouTube channel, @kayleerakowskiart, where I offer tutorials and insights into my creative process. I also paint live at art festivals and national street fairs, often completing a piece in under three hours—a challenge that keeps me connected to the spontaneous beauty of the world around me.

Whether I’m in front of a canvas or exploring new places, my goal remains the same: to bring the peace, wonder, and magic of nature into the lives of others, one painting at a time.

My art is a reflection of the deep connection I feel with the natural world—a connection that has shaped my life, even in the face of unexpected challenges. As a self-taught artist specializing in wet-on-wet oil painting, I create landscapes and floral scenes that capture the beauty, serenity, and wonder of nature.

Each piece I create is more than just a visual representation; it’s a journey into the heart of the wilderness. Through bold, sweeping brushstrokes and a vibrant palette, I aim to convey the emotions that nature evokes in me—peace, joy, and a sense of belonging.

I’m inspired by the harmony found in the natural world, from the delicate curve of a flower petal to the majestic sweep of a mountain range. My work is grounded in the traditions of great landscape artists like Bob Ross, Bill Alexander, and Lowell Speers, yet I strive to bring my own voice and perspective to each canvas.

Painting, for me, is not just a creative outlet but a form of healing and exploration. It allows me to travel to places I can no longer visit physically, offering an intimate connection to the wild spaces I love. My goal is to share that connection with others, bringing the outside world into homes, hearts, and lives.

In my work, you’ll find the calm of a quiet forest, the energy of a blooming meadow, and the timeless beauty of a mountain vista. I invite you to explore these landscapes with me, to find your own sense of peace and wonder in the natural world that I so deeply cherish.

Artist Statement

Follow me on Instagram @kaylerakowskiart to keep up to date on my schedule of where I will be live painting next, or displaying over 60 original paintings for sale. I am looking forward to meeting you!