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

Hi Cameo, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in a small town just outside of Chicago. My childhood consisted of running around barefoot outside chasing chickens and catching fireflies. Looking back now, it was such a perfect and ideal way to grow up. But I always wanted more. For as long as I can remember, I have always been making art, and I have always been fascinated by people. I really hope to capture true personality in each of my pieces and also a little bit of magic.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a classically trained oil painter and have been practicing now for almost 20 years. My art has always come naturally to me since I was a very small child.

I am most proud of my most recent and greatest masterpiece, my son River. He is 7 months old and such a magnificent creation! I have big plans for a new style and a series of paintings that are 100% inspired by my baby boy, River.

I’m rocking the single mom life and am learning a ton. It has not been easy, but it has transformed me into a WARRIOR!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place I would bring a friend would be Ocean Beach. The ocean is always destination number 1, and OB is my go-to every time. Not only is it my original San Diego stomping grounds, but to me, Ocean Beach IS San Diego. OB has always been my favorite little beach town as a visitor and a resident of San Diego. It’s filled with the most artistic, gritty, eclectic, and interesting kinds of people. Just walking around outside, hanging at the beach, and watching the people and the waves is always the best.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My teacher and mentor, Eddwin Meyers. He is the man who taught me how to paint in the very special oil technique that I practice, and he is the person who coached, encouraged, and molded me into the artist that I am today. Also, my fellow Artists of the Atelier from Chicago. We practiced power in numbers and had some pretty cool art shows! La Bodega Art Gallery was the first space in San Diego who accepted my work to be shown. Optimus Volts, Cayce Hanalei, Dusty Dawn, and all of my wonderful San Diego Artist Friends, you know who you are 😉

Website: cameoartistry.com
Instagram: ckartistree
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cameo-kruse
Facebook: Cameo Artistry