Travis Krause

Travis Krause is an acrylic painter, living in Northern Colorado, who creates vibrant fly fishing related peces. Travis began learning the sense of craftsmanship and care through pottery, and has now shifted to acrylic art pieces. 

Travis hopes that his artwork will inspire people to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and remember the power of beauty, and artwork.  Each painting he creates is an attempt to capture life’s fleeting moments with vivid color, delight and reinvigorate their own natural sense of wonder and creative potential.

Where are you from and how does that affect your work, or when did you first become interested in art?

Northern Colorado. In addition to getting to know people, the grandeur of nature informs my artistic methods and work.

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What about fishing inspires you as an artist? / Why fish? What inspired your work within the fishing industry?

My work honors and restores people’s personal power. This part of us can get hidden and smothered through the “dust of daily life.” I reveal it in artwork. Many of my clients restore their power by getting out in nature.

Fish are a great metaphor for this concept of revealing what is hidden. Trout are illusive and seem invisible until you learn to “see them.” If you hook up and net a fish, you draw it out of the water, it glistens like a jewel.  JUST LIKE OUR HIDDEN STRENGTH AND POWER– It’s there all the time… we just don’t regularly acknowledge it. All of my clients are stronger and more powerful than they know!!! Most of the time this personal strength seems hidden, when it is revealed it is beautiful and powerful!

Do you have an art ritual of sorts? And,are there any art trends currently inspire your work?

Do I have a ritual… more like a process. When creating something I am unfamiliar with, like creating a custom artwork, I create exercises to get familiar with my subject and message. Sitting down with my client for a conversation and collecting images are my starting point. Then I create a mind map in my sketchbook and fill it with value and color studies. I research the most important topics and build symbols to subtly add to the custom image. Then I take a nap and let the creative part of my mind sort things out.  Only then do I start painting.

What type of art/medium do you create?

I was trained as a potter and sculptor. This has informed my craftsmanship and respect for process. About seven years ago I started painting with acrylics full time.

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How has your style changed over time?

My style is always evolving. If it’s not improving, why bother?

How do you manage your work-life balance as an artist? / Is your artwork a full-time job, or do you have a daily gig too?

I manage my work-life balance poorly.  Currently, I teach high school students, and fill my off-hours with painting, fishing and staying healthy.

Favorite fish to paint/draw/create?

I like painting a species I am not familiar with…. It is a way to pre-conceive a future catch!

When did you begin fishing?

I have found family pictures of me fishing around 5 years old.

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What is it that draws you to fishing and creating art around the sport?

I have several core memories around fishing and being outdoors.  But I find inspiration in helping people recognize and restore their personal power, which can lead me to portraiture, pets, flowers, etc for subject matter.

Who is your biggest inspiration/mentor both in art and personally? How did they impact your life?

I have a handful of important mentors! 

My martial arts instructor has really pushed me to be my own person and develop all aspects of my life. Ann Rea has mentored me as a business owner. Daniel Augenstein and Bob Burridge have informed me on lots of painting strategies.

Do you listen to anything when you are creating art? If so, what?

Rockabilly, Punk Rock, Classical, Podcasts and Audiobooks on very diverse topics.

Where can people find your artwork? (Retail store, online store, social media handles, etc)

Reach out to me directly, fishing trade shows, occasional gallery showings. I most enjoy working directly with my clients.  

Webpage: www.traviskrausestudios.com 

Instagram: @TravisKrauseStudios 
Facebook: @TravisKrauseStudios

Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?

You are stronger and more powerful than you know!! Ask me how I know, I’d love to chat!

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The Fly Fishing Journeys staff members have a culmination of passion and knowledge about the sport. They bring ability and know how, as well as experience on the water and working in the fly fishing industry. Their goal is to raise awareness and help educate anglers of any level about the sport, the industry, and how to best enjoy yourselves on and off the water. The mission at Fly Fishing Journeys is to be your go-to resource for all things fly fishing. The staff does this by connecting the fly fishing community with worldwide media content, sharing experiences, education, and stories.

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