Born in 1975 in the heart of Eastern Oregon, Kim Randleas is an artist who has found her calling in capturing the essence of the people of the West. With a deep-rooted connection to her native region's history and culture, Kim's art serves as a captivating tribute to the enduring spirit of the American frontier.

Kim's artistic journey began at a young age. Her early childhood days were often spent drawing with found charcoal pieces or painting landscapes with watercolors. Family outings were in the mountains surrounding her hometown, where stories of early Native People were told. Lazy Sunday afternoons consisted of picnics and slow hikes, taking in the high desert views, but always keeping a lookout for obsidian chips indicating the location of an early Native’s flint knapping work.

Her imagination was ignited by the tales of the West passed down through generations. Growing up surrounded by the rugged landscapes and rich heritage, she found inspiration in the faces of those who embodied the spirit of the West – the ranchers, cowgirls, Native Americans, and the pioneers who shaped its identity.

Her childhood home offered further inspiration from a now well-worn coffee table book, “Techniques of the Artists of the American West,” which featured twenty-one classic paintings of the American West. It included paintings by Frederic Remington, Joseph Henry Sharp, N.C. Wyeth, William Robinson Leigh, and Grace Hudson, among others, offered her first artistic influences.

Before dedicating her life to art, Kim pursued a successful career as a business owner, but her true passion for painting had always been simmering beneath the surface, and she decided to heed the call of her creative spirit and embark on a new path as a full-time artist. It was a leap of faith that allowed her to immerse herself in the world of art and the untamed beauty of the West.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Kim's passion for preserving history extends to her collection of antique clothing. Vintage hats and authentic period attire become both her inspiration and cherished possessions, influencing the authenticity and attention to detail in her paintings.

Kim's artwork is a remarkable blend of realism and emotion, each stroke of the brush capturing not just the likeness of her subjects but also their stories and character. Her art has garnered recognition in various exhibitions, where collectors and enthusiasts are drawn to the authenticity and evocative power of her work. Yet, for Kim, the greatest reward comes from knowing that her art allows others to connect with the spirit of the West, to be reminded of its indomitable past, and to cherish the cultural legacy that defines the American frontier.

As Kim’s artistic journey continues to unfold, she remains committed to preserving the soul of the West through her artistry. Her passion for painting the people of the West, combined with her reverence for history and antique clothing, keeps her brush strokes alive with the captivating stories of a bygone era.