Kiley Busko is a watercolor artist, educator, and author based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Her work is inspired by the wildlife and natural landscapes she encounters while hiking and birdwatching throughout the region. Drawn to both careful observation and creative expression, she creates animal portraits that balance realistic detail with loose, expressive washes of color.

After rediscovering watercolor in 2018, Kiley developed a dedicated painting practice centered on birds and other wildlife. Her connection to nature continues to shape her work, influencing both her subject matter and artistic approach. She is especially drawn to watercolor for its ability to combine precision and spontaneity, using bold brushwork, flowing washes, and layered textures to capture movement, personality, and a sense of place.

Under her studio name, Painted Wing, Kiley has an extensive animal and bird watercolor repertoire and an impressive social media following.  She shares her passion for watercolor through online tutorials, a YouTube channel, and Patreon. She is the author of 30-Minute Watercolor Animals: Create Beautiful Beginner-Friendly Paintings in No Time At All, published by Page Street Publishing. In addition to her online teaching, she is an ambassador for Arches Papers, and she leads in-person watercolor workshops throughout west-central Minnesota, helping students build confidence and develop their own creative voice.

Kiley's paintings have been exhibited in galleries and retail spaces throughout the Midwest. She enjoys creating welcoming learning environments where artists of all skill levels can explore watercolor, connect with nature, and deepen their creative practice